Leave for Change: About this PhotoBlog
Beginning July 17th 2011, I began participating in Leave for Change. Sponsored by Uniterra, Leave for Change is a initiative that enables employees from participating organizations to transform part of their leave into a three to four week assignment in a developing country.
In my case, the University of Guelph has made an investment in my professional development, while demonstrating amazing leadership in academic (corporate) social responsibility. I get an opportunity to put my knowledge and skills to work in an international development project, expand my personal and professional horizons, and acquire a deeper understanding of broader global issues.
To this end, I find myself working in Nepal at the Center for Microfinance (CMF). CMF was established in July 2000 to strengthen the capacity of microfinance institutions and enable them to provided savings, credit and other financial services to the poorest-of-the-poor families, especially women. CMF runs a wide range of programs designed to meet the emerging needs of microfinance institutions. To promote the microfinance sector, CMF engages in training, technical assistance, consultancy services, research, knowledge management, publication and documentation, dissemination of best practices, and networking in partnership with national and international organizations.
I am still reflecting on this experience. There were many amazing things that I learned and shared. There were also some incredibly difficult experiences. In response, I used my camera as a way to discover the beauty of Nepal. I expected tranquility. I discovered chaos. But I found beauty as captured in these images. I thank everyone for this opportunity. /ml