What was the initiative? 

Odessa’s initiative focused on empowerment work with women’s groups in the rural communities of Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Odessa worked with three women’s groups to support them to become active participants in their local development, build leadership skills, and increase confidence in participating in community initiatives. Through training sessions and home visits, women were encouraged to design and implement their own initiatives, fostering long-term self-sufficiency and strengthening community bonds.  

 What was the community connection? 

In 2012, Odessa spent six months in Guatemala as an intern with Sahakarini Inter-World Education and Development. She lived in the villages of Labor de Falla and Cerro Alto, staying with a local family and fully participating in community life. She attended women’s group meetings, religious services, weddings, and Mayan ceremonies, while also learning to cook traditional meals and develop skills such as shampoo making – a local business endeavour. Odessa maintained contact with the community through an organizational contact beyond her internship, and these relationships formed the foundation of her Fellowship year.   

How was it innovative? 

Odessa’s initiative was innovative in its prioritization of an asset-based community development model, which allowed participants to take ownership of the process, from planning to implementation. By incorporating ABCD tools and facilitating leadership development, the project empowered women to not only manage their individual projects, but also meaningfully contribute to the broader community. The use of direct cash transfers further supported autonomy, providing women with the flexibility to allocate resources based on their specific needs, a departure from conventional micro-financing models.  

What is Odessa doing now?  

Odessa is working an RCIC – IRB at International Rural Exchange Canada, continuing to explore the ever-changing world of international work experiences for youth.