I began remote work with Marvelous Ways International in June 2021. MWI is a nonprofit start up that focuses on innovation. The project I’ve been hired on for is based in Anonos, Costa Rica. MWI has created a program to try and give young people education and opportunities to pursue a life outside the narcotics business. They do this by forming mentorships and classes with college students and other adults from Anonos who were able to succeed in other industries. These adults then give the kids positive representation and help them to develop their own, personal life goals.
In late June, I was sent to a grant writing workshop in order to beef up my knowledge of grants and how to apply for them. I’ve now been tasked with taking all the amazing planning work, data, and project designs they already have worked up and transform it into a grant proposal. So far, I love the work and think the Anonos project is an amazing opportunity for young people and will make a huge difference in their community.
I’ve been working closely with MWI’s founder and director, Mark Haywood. We have weekly meetings over zoom where he’s talked me through their design process and future projections for both the Anonos program and future projects. We plan to keep me on until December 2021 after the Anonos pilot has been kicked off. I’ll continue my grant writing work for other possible funding for Anonos as well as restarting the process for their future projects, such as those planned to begin in Honduras.
I can’t wait to see where this organization goes and how much it will be able to grow. I’m so happy to be a part of the process and have an impact on these communities.
Sarah Thias is an Atlantis Student pursuing an MA International Relations from the Maxwell School in Syracuse and a Master of Public Policy from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin.