On assignment: Katie Janzen Serving And Learning Together (SALT)
Originally posted at: https://mcc.org/stories/assignment-katie-janzen
Katie Janzen, is a SALT participant from Waterloo, Canada is serving as a capacity building and peace libraries assistant in Kigali, Rwanda, with Transformational Leadership Center (TLC), an MCC partner organization. Of her typical day, Janzen says “Most days include editing reports from the libraries. Some days we have library programs, where a librarian reads to a group and leads a discussion, or peace debates, where students are encouraged to think critically and express their ideas about topics related to peace or reading.
Occasionally, I get to travel to peace libraries in other districts of Rwanda to observe their programs.”
Name: Katie Janzen
Hometown: Waterloo, Ontario; WMB (Waterloo Mennonite Brethren) Church
Assignment: Through MCC’s Serving and Learning Together (SALT) program, I work as a capacity building and peace libraries assistant in Kigali, Rwanda, with Transformational Leadership Center, an MCC partner organization.
Typical day: Includes editing reports from the libraries. Some days we have library programs, where a librarian reads to a group and leads a discussion, or peace debates, where students are encouraged to think critically and express their ideas about topics related to peace or reading. Occasionally I travel to peace libraries in other districts of Rwanda to observe their programs.
Joys: Meeting so many new people. Everyone has welcomed me into their community and is eager to share their culture with me. I have also loved traveling around Rwanda and exploring different parts of this country.
Challenges: Adjusting to a new culture. It took time for me to feel comfortable in my new surroundings.
Why I chose SALT: To combine my desire to be an experiential learner and serve a new community. I am working on my bachelor’s degree in peace and conflict studies, and I was ready to experience what I have learned in an international setting.
If you’re considering SALT: Be prepared to learn a lot and grow in many new ways. Your attitude and mindset will shape your experience.