2010-2011

News Release

REF NO.: 110

SUBJECT: MI celebrates International Development Week

DATE: February 4, 2011

The Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University of Newfoundland is set to host International Development Week activities
Feb. 7-12.
All events are organized by MI International, the international office of the Marine Institute. The media and public are invited to all activities taking place at MI’s Ridge Road campus in St. John’s.
“International Development Week showcases the role Canada plays in providing meaningful support to those in need,” said Bill Chislett, director, MI International. “The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) aims to provide effective aid that produces sustainable results in countries that need our assistance. This is the message we hope to convey during International Development Week celebrations at the Marine Institute.”
International Development Week activities at MI begin Monday, Feb. 7, with an International Internet Scavenger Hunt. The competition is open to all Marine Institute and Memorial University students and includes prizes for first and second place. E-mail miintl@mi.mun.ca to register. 
International Development Week events continue at MI on Tuesday, Feb. 8, with the official premiere of Lessons Learned … Lessons Shared, a new mini documentary on the Marine Institute’s current CIDA-funded project in Malawi. It will be aired from 12-2 p.m. in room W3005. This event is hosted by Kelly Moret, assistant director of MI’s Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources. The following day, presentations will be given by Marine Institute and Memorial University participants in international development projects from 12-2 p.m. in room E2327. This includes a presentation on migration by guest speaker Edgard Rodriguez.
MI International personnel will be on hand to provide information about international work opportunities for students on Thursday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. during the Marine Institute Career Fair Exhibition. This event takes place in the MI gymnasium.
International Development Week activities wrap up at MI on Friday, Feb. 11, with a pair of activities. From 10-11 a.m. there will be an International Development Awareness Session just outside the MI cafeteria. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be provided. From 12-2 p.m., MI International staff will present International Videos: Hunger Season/Recycled Life.
“These activities will draw attention to the work being done by the many MI employees who have worked overseas on international projects,” Mr. Chislett said. “We want to help everyone learn more about life in developing countries and learn how they can help improve others’ quality of life.”
MI International has been making a positive impact in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries, for the past 30 years. It has successfully implemented more than 200 projects in over 50 countries, with close to 150 MI faculty and staff having worked overseas during this time. 
The primary areas of focus at MI International are food security, poverty reduction, education systems reform and capacity development of individuals and institutions in the developing world. 
“Quite often, we are fortunate to partner with, and receive funding from, the Canadian International Development Agency during these projects,” said Mr. Chislett. 
In addition to its global efforts, MI International works closely with local junior high and high schools to create awareness of issues affecting the developing world. Faculty and staff often serve as public speakers at schools to teach students about important global issues such as food security and poverty.
To learn more about MI International, contact Bill Chislett at Bill.Chislett@mi.mun.ca or visit www.mi.mun.ca/mi_international.   
 

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