“As an economics student with a particular interest in development, I had dreamed of working in the field but had not found an opportunity to be meaningfully involved in Economic Development Research. Working with Simbi Foundation in Mbale, Uganda gave me the opportunity to experience first hand the difficult yet rewarding intersection of theory and implementation. Simbi Foundation’s relationships with local partners, as well as their well thought through research interventions are incredible to experience and contribute to first hand. Working with them began to clarify my thinking on how I view development research, and helped motivate my decision to pursue further a masters in economics.”

“The TRIP was one of the most profound experiences of my life. I learned so many new things, from building a water catchment system, coordinating rainwater harvesting, to setting up a BrightBox solar-powered classroom and teaching computer literacy to a group of teachers who had never used one before. I learned more about project management through the TRIP than any university course has yet taught me. The best part was that that as soon as someone completed their own allotted work, they would start working on some other project and helping other team members with their work without anyone even asking them to — it was inspiring to say the least!”

“On a TRIP, you are transported into a part of the world that you may not be familiar with, which can often be daunting, but not with Simbi Foundation. The hand-picked teams are what make Simbi Foundation TRIPs so special, placing you in capable hands and allowing you to create powerful bonds with incredibly inspiring people. On the Uganda TRIP, I learnt a great deal about the value of education and its crucial contribution to development, which in turn inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. I cannot recommend these TRIPs enough, I would go back in a heartbeat.”

“I am grateful to have been part of the India TRIP with Simbi Foundation in the spring of 2018. It was so wonderful to be able to use my professional skills, and to know that I have helped to make positive changes to the lives of these kids. I look forward to doing another TRIP in the near future.”

“I grew up in Rwanda and moved to Vancouver to pursue a masters at UBC in Food and Resource Economics. For my masters thesis, I worked with Simbi Foundation in Uganda and helped the organization in furthering their nutritional research which is still used today! It was incredible work in the field. To learn from our local partners and support them in developing sustainable nutritional practises. It was an experience I’ll treasure forever and often tell stories from my time in the field.”