By Marilyn Assaf
Vancouver Island University is putting Nanaimo’s development community in the spotlight.
International Development Week runs Monday through Friday (Feb. 7-11) and local events at VIU include interactive cultural displays, a children’s global art show, a student photo display, information booths, and presentations by VIU students about their international experiences around the world.
“Our theme for the week-long celebration is millenium development goals,” said Meg Savory, international grants and projects coordinator.
“There are many opportunities for the public to participate.”
The week provides an opportunity to increase the awareness of the role many Canadians play in international development; and find out how to become global citizens, actively involved in international development.
The public is invited to the Nanaimo campus throughout the week to participate in various activities. Every day at noon, guided tours will take visitors through an interactive display in the upper cafeteria where they can learn more about millennium development goals.
Also as part of the activities, recent VIU student interns who have lived and worked in different parts of the world will share their experiences on Monday (Feb. 7) from 4:45-7 p.m. in Bldg. 356, Rm. 109.
The public is also invited to hear keynote speaker Ian Smillie, an Order of Canada recipient, who will visit the Nanaimo campus Tuesday (Feb. 8) to talk about poverty, the urge to help and the meaning of sustainable development from 4-5:20 p.m.
Smillie’s second presentation, Blood on the Stone: Greed, Corruption and War in the Global Diamond Trade, takes place from 5:30-7 p.m. Both presentations in Bldg. 355, Rm. 203 are free and open to the public.
For further information about International Development Week activities at VIU, check out the events section of the VIU website at www.viu.ca or call Meg Savory at 250-740-6378.