In July, our 2024-2025 cohort of International Youth Fellows jetted off for their placements in Africa and Asia. We caught up with a few of these inspiring young leaders as they settled into the new homes.
“‘Buy the ticket, take the ride’ – this has been my guiding approach to this experience and breaking into the field of global development.”
Born and raised in Newfoundland, Sarah Abbott has always been interested in helping others and learning about other parts of the world. “When I was younger, I found myself very focused on inequity,” says Sarah. “I was very focused on the reality that each person’s experience in life could look so drastically different based solely on where they’re born, and I had a certain level of privilege from being born in Canada.”
Sarah graduated with a BSc in Psychology at Memorial University, before earning a Master of Public Health from the University of Alberta with a specialization in global health. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her degree, preventing the global experience component of her graduate studies. “The Fellowship is my opportunity to get back onto my original path and pursue a career in global development, which I’ve long aspired to,” she says.
Sarah is currently in Kampala, Uganda, working with Aga Khan Foundation as an Innovation and Design Fellow. She works across several projects, including those focusing on menstrual hygiene management and girls’ access to education through human-centred design. “My interest is at the intersection of social and physical determinants of health—working closely with communities and making sure that solutions are community-oriented, not outsider-prescribed.”
To those considering a career in development, Sarah offers some words of advice.
“My favourite and the most valuable part of the Fellowship experience so far has been the endless opportunities to engage in new experiences and get to know new people,” Sarah says. “A career in development is not always the most predictable, but the difficulties are an important part of the journey. It helps push you forward, and you make great memories—that’s where you grow.”
“Now is the right time – I feel like I have a good amount of experience to be able to meaningfully contribute.”
Since graduating from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and International Relations, Ian Stone has worked in management consulting and strategy consulting, with a focus on the education sector. “I have a very private sector background and a ‘private sector’ way of doing things,” says Ian. “I took some time [after graduation] to do full-time work, and I learned a lot of really good skills.”
As a Partnerships Fellow in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, Ian has been able to draw on the skills gleaned through his professional experiences, bringing in different ideas, perspectives, and connections. In his role, he’s supporting donor and stakeholder management, including strategy development and working with local community partner organizations.
For Ian, the Fellowship program is his first step into the global development sector. “I’ve actually had a reminder in my Google calendar to apply to the Fellowship program since 2018,” shares Ian. “I’m really excited to be here [in Bishkek], and to do something more ‘on-the-ground’.”
Over the next seven months, Ian is also looking forward to exploring the Central Asian region. “We’ve done a few trips outside the city [of Bishkek], and it’s shockingly beautiful… I’m excited to explore the outdoors, and I’ve already signed up for a half-marathon in Uzbekistan.”
For those like Ian who are a bit further along in their careers and unsure about applying to the Fellowship, Ian offers some words of encouragement.
“I would say that this is a great opportunity to try something new and make use of the skills you’ve learned in previous roles to positively impact communities. You’re certainly going to be learning as well.”
A passionate community-based social justice advocate, Hiya Goyal swapped Toronto’s city skyline for the picturesque Swahili coast, where she works as a Social Media Fellow for the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa, Kenya.
Hiya graduated with a Bachelor’s in Economics and Political Science and a Master’s in Research for Policy and Evaluation, and has spent most of her academic career focusing on conducting research and analysis. “While this work was fulfilling, [I realized] there was a significant disconnect between the social science research community and the populations that they studied,” says Hiya. “I was inspired to pivot my learning journey to better understand how to communicate academic knowledge to non-professional and policy-making spaces.”
AKFC’s International Youth Fellowship Program is an opportunity for Hiya to delve into a career in global development, building on her experience and passion for community engagement and digital communications. As a Social Media Fellow, Hiya’s work focuses on boosting the Academy’s digital presence and promoting digital literacy among students and staff. As the Academy prepares to welcome its students for the new school year, Hiya has been working to launch a new social media campaign to help raise awareness about the work the Academy is doing to promote digital education within the school and community.
“[The Fellowship is] also encouraging me to learn how to adapt to unfamiliar spaces so that I can continue to foster the open-mindedness and cultural understanding that is integral to becoming a leader in global development,” says Hiya.
Outside of work, Hiya looks forward to making the most of her time on the coast. “Mombasa is a beautiful seaside city and the culture here is refreshingly easygoing,” says Hiya. “Locals have been incredibly welcoming; always ready to teach us about the city’s rich history and cultural mosaic… and I am so excited to visit some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa and hike along the many unique seaside trails.”
A recent graduate from the commerce program at Queen’s University, Mahir Hamid is currently in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, working with Accelerate Prosperity, an AKDN initiative focused on supporting entrepreneurs.
Hailing from Scarborough, Ontario, Mahir was always passionate about giving back to his community. “My fondest memories from school and growing up revolve around my community work with student government – helping people and making a positive impact are my biggest motivators,” he recalls. “[Now], I want to understand how entrepreneurs can drive their businesses to create greater social impact without compromising profit.”
At Accelerate Prosperity (AP), Mahir is working as a Product and Market Development Fellow – his work includes supporting the ideation and implementation of AP’s strategic projects across regions. “I’ve always been fascinated by the startup ecosystem,” says Mahir. “I’m eager to explore emerging markets and their obstacles, social innovation, and economic development.”
“It’s only been one month, but I feel like I’ve driven more change than I have in many of my other professional experiences,” says Mahir. “I honestly didn’t expect this – after all, I just graduated with an undergraduate degree and come from a completely different country… I’m pleasantly surprised by the trust my manager and team have placed in me.”
While it’s only been one month since he arrived, Mahir has already started to make the most of this time in his new home.
“Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country with people who have hearts of gold,” says Mahir. “My favourite memories so far include hiking Ala Archa National Park, trying beshbarmak (horse meat with noodles), and creating long-lasting memories with the other AKFC Fellows. I’m excited to learn more about the local communities here, and I plan to document my learnings and journeys through my social media channels!”
Before going to their overseas placements, AKFC’s International Youth Fellows completed a month-long seminar in Ottawa. See some behind-the-scenes of this seminar in a video produced by this year’s Fellows!
Learn more about the Fellowship program.
