国民彩票

 

Mapfumo Chidzonga

Mapfumo Chidzonga (MA IDS 2016)

Community Engagement Advisor for Halifax Regional Municipality

Mapfumo Chidzonga 2

For Mapfumo Chidzonga, the most rewarding part of his job is the opportunity to give under-represented communities a chance to have a voice and be heard.

鈥淚t is the moment you realize that you鈥檝e broken a barrier,鈥 says Chidzonga.聽

Since 2017, Chidzonga has worked as a Community Engagement Advisor, specializing in diversity and inclusion, for the (HRM). He works within the . By carrying out the will of the HRM Council, the department is responsible for making or changing the rules, which govern the future physical arrangement and conditions of communities.

Chidzonga鈥檚 work is to include under-represented community groups in decision-making and participation and to provide access to services.

鈥淭he goal is to try and improve our relationship with the public,鈥 says Chidzonga. 鈥淗ow we understand their needs and how we reflect those needs.鈥

It was realizing how I could apply my knowledge from an IDS background in this environment

Chidzonga says his work with HRM relates to his studies in IDS. He says his work deals with issues of power and justice, both economically and socially.

鈥淚t was realizing how I could apply my knowledge from an IDS background in this environment,鈥 says Chidzonga.

While providing his department with the knowledge of the realities of communities in the HRM, Chidzonga also provides communities with the knowledge of the planning process to empower them to influence and be a part of decision making.

Chidzonga is originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, but moved to Canada to attend Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. Chidzonga received his undergraduate degree in International Development Studies and Sociology in 2013.

In 2014, Chidzonga moved to Halifax to continue his studies in international development at 国民彩票. He obtained a Master of Arts in International Development Studies in 2016.

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