By Daniel Yeboah, 2nd year MDP student
I’m currently completing my first year placement at Persons Community Solutions (PCS), a social enterprise in Winnipeg. I have been working as a Development Specialist on a Community Safety Host (CSH) program
Purpose of this Placement
I chose this placement because of my passion for community well-being and safety and my love to serve my community. My goal is to gain hands-on experience in the Canadian professional space, developing and implementing safety programs that foster a secure and supportive environment for all community members.
Daily Activities
Daily Routine: A typical day at PCS is working either from home or the office. I work independently according to my assigned tasks as well as an active team member when required. My mornings usually start with checking my emails to respond to funding program officers and arranging meetings, followed by updating candidates spread sheets and folders, and finally prescreening candidates through phone calls.
Learning Curve: One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is understanding different perspectives and the impact of lived experiences. Interacting with candidates has taught me to appreciate their unique backgrounds and experiences, which significantly influence their views on safety and well-being. Again, I have learned more about cultural competency; understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds of our clients as a crucial means for create a safe space to enhance access to essential services and resources.
Key Projects and Contributions
Community Safety Host Initiative A significant project I’m involved in is the Community Safety Host Initiative. My role includes prescreening candidates to be trained and employed as hosts and researching and reviewing funding opportunities. These efforts ensure that the program is staffed with capable individuals and has the necessary resources to thrive. Seeing the positive impact of our efforts, such as reduced incidents of petty crime and increased community trust, has been incredibly rewarding
Addressing Challenges One major challenge we faced was insufficient funds to train as many hosts as needed. To address this, I researched and reviewed various funding opportunities wrote grant proposals, and sought out partnerships with local organizations. This proactive approach has exposed us to some additional resources, although the need for more funding remains a critical issue.
Reflection and Personal Growth
Growth and Insights This field placement has been transformative. I’ve learned to navigate complex social dynamics and develop solutions that balance immediate safety concerns with long-term community well-being. The experience has also strengthened my leadership and problem-solving skills as well as my networking abilities.
Academic Connections The theories and frameworks I’ve studied, such as Indigenous Research, Indigenous Worldviews and Indigenous Economic Development have been directly applicable to my work. Implementing these concepts in real-world settings has deepened my understanding and provided a solid foundation for my future career.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Looking Ahead As I continue my placement, I aim to further develop my skills in community organizing and advocacy. I plan to initiate a new program in my home country that will focus on youth engagement, as empowering young people is crucial for sustainable community safety economic community development.
Career Path This experience has solidified my desire to work in community development and public safety. I’m now very open further studies in community development to enhance my impact in this field.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts Overall, my time with Persons Community Solution has been incredibly enriching. I’m grateful to my supervisors and colleagues for their support and mentorship. This placement has not only provided me with invaluable experience but has also ignited my passion for community service.
Advice for Fellow Students To my fellow students considering a field placement, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – the rewards are well worth it!
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