About Us
The International Development unit and the Centre for Sustainable Community Development at Simon Fraser University, in partnership with Cuso International and
the BC Council for International Education, with the support of our Project Advisory Committee, have designed an innovative public dialogue series and collaborative learning program that engages leaders of trans-local diaspora communities in Metro Vancouver.
In Metro Vancouver, myriad diaspora communities from the Global South carry out significant trans-local development work in the regions, countries, and towns/villages of their origin. These efforts are as diverse as the leaders who initiate them. Some examples include: building schools in rural Pakistan, supporting local artists in South Africa, funding leadership programs in Namibia, creating female education opportunities in Southern Sudan, organizing for Haitian relief, supporting peacebuilding in Darfur, and initiating the purchase of goats for villagers in rural Kenya.
The individuals and their initiatives profiled in this series conduct activities in multiple spaces with multiple impacts around the world - both closer to home and in the Global South. The series will explore current initiatives and examine the potential of diaspora-driven development. As well, innovative diaspora leaders will be invited to participate in a series of learning events where they will have the opportunity to critically examine the impacts of their work.
Through five public dialogue events, this project highlights the often overlooked or untold stories of trans-local leaders and connects members of the diaspora with one another and the broader Canadian public to raise awareness of Canada’s efforts in international development and the role the diaspora can play. As well, SFU is hosting a series of learning workshops that involve university faculty, students, and trans-local leaders to share perspectives, experiences, theories, and practices with a view to creating tools and resources that support their work.