Olivia Davidson in Indonesia and Kenya

Economic Development Coordinator Social Entrepreneurship Department,
World Vision Australia

"For me , the presence of the Program Director , Leilani Garland, was the key meaningful experience I had at Uni. I enjoyed all the classes she taught, but I particularly appreciated the way she encouraged and provided students with opportunities to; meet others, share information, network, participate in community events, gain employment and the list goes on – her work in this area really made me feel part of a ‘community’, and proud of the career I was about to embark on. Leilani was a great role model and I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, and let her know the positive difference she made.

Where am I now? Right now I am sitting in a ‘Kos’ (Indonesian homestay) writing up assessment notes from the day’s interviews. I work for World Vision, on a series of ‘Community-lead local economic development ‘projects in Indonesia and Kenya. The projects aim to support

What keeps me going in this work? Smiles, even when I am working in remote areas of Kenya where life looks so incredibly difficult or in an urban slum in Indonesia where it seems like there is not much to smile about – people still smile when I meet with them. Their smile against the harsh backdrop is somehow magical to me, and makes me think ‘if the only impact I have is to bring a smile to someone’s face then surely my efforts are worth it.”
 

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