On the Ground in Ghana with the International Organization for Migration

2014 IOM Ghana summer interns
2014 IOM Ghana summer interns. Photo: Joanna Kitts for IOM

For the past several years, PAIA students have taken part in SU’s innovative partnership with the International Organization for Migration’s Mission in Accra, Ghana to develop the field skills needed for success as development and humanitarian workers.

As part of this program, the students work in the Immuna community, about two hours west of the capital, Accra.

During their time in Eshuehiya, the students support IOM’s efforts to reintegrate and rehabilitate children who have been trafficked for economic reasons, as well as supporting efforts to improve conditions in the the village through the creation, testing, and implementation of a community development project.

A lasting Maxwell contribution to the community School. Photo: Julia Watson

Intended to allow the next generation of field development and humanitarian affairs professionals to develop their skills at the grassroots level, this program is unique among SU’s summer offerings and provides a distinct benefit to all involved.

For more information about the program, please read the excellent article published by IOM’s staff “Students Innovate in Ghana,” Program alum Lauren Murphy (BA ’13) also put together a video on the “Youth of Immuna.”