New co-op scholarship gives students a boost

Last summer, an interest in international development led Anthropology Co-op student Claire Doherty to Uganda as a volunteer for a not-for-profit organization. It was a new experience for Doherty, so it was fitting that her work term was partly funded by a brand new co-op scholarship.

Doherty is one of 32 co-op students who have received the Thouvenelle Co-op Scholarship since May 2008. Named for donor Jarmila Von Drak Thouvenelle, the award is granted to undergraduate and graduate co-op students who engage in work terms related to community development or service learning.

“We are excited to offer this new funding opportunity to students who are pursuing such valuable work experience,” says Co-operative Education Program Executive Director Norah McRae. “The award is intended to cover all or part of the co-op program fee, which can be a big help.”

Prior to 2008, there was only one funding opportunity available for co-op students: the Graham Branton Endowment Fund. Recipients of this award now automatically receive the Thouvenelle scholarship, so that they can receive funding to cover both their co-op work term fee and additional costs.

For Doherty, who was a recipient of both awards, the financial assistance went a long way. As a volunteer community-based research officer for the Africa Community Technical Service (ACTS) in Uganda, a not-for-profit based out of Comox, BC, it was important that she focus on the job rather than on her pocketbook. “I was hired to conduct a qualitative evaluation of the Lake Bunyonyi Development Company (LBDC), a Ugandan organization that is affiliated with ACTS,” she says. “This means that I spoke with villagers who had received help from LBDC and I worked with a translator to collect their feedback.” At the end of her work term, Doherty provided the LBDC and ACTS with a written report of her findings.

Doherty credits her time in Uganda for giving her a broader global perspective. “I’ve known since childhood that people in other parts of the world have lifestyles that are very different, and in many cases less privileged than my own,” she says. “My experience in Uganda drove this point home and equipped me with newfound insight and valuable skills for a career in international development. I am immensely grateful.”

Doherty joins dozens of other co-op students who have received the Thouvenelle Co-op Scholarship for work terms focused on community development. Students have worked for employers as far-reaching as a hospital in Nicaragua, a bird sanctuary in California, a kids’ cancer care facility in Alberta and a cultural festival in Victoria.