Windle Connect

Speaking to students at Norfolk Academy in Norfolk, Virginia.

Written by Margaret Wilbanks Plemenos -

In a conscious effort to spread awareness about Windle International’s decades of work and impact on refugee education in East Africa, I decided to launch Windle Connect, an initiative where I will engage with schools and universities across the globe. A goal of this program is to both educate audiences about our work, as well as spark further interest for students who are passionate both about refugee education and general NGO management and support. Another area I hope to develop is educational research relevant to the communities we serve.

In September I met with students from Long Island University’s Global College program during their stint in London. This program offers undergraduate students the chance to travel the globe for the duration of their degree, allowing them an immersive experience to best study global cultures, politics, and languages. The students in attendance all had an interest in non-profit work and were very interested in learning both about how Windle operates as well as general life in a UNHCR refugee camp.

When in the United States in October, I presented at my alma mater, Norfolk Academy, located in Norfolk, Virginia. I spoke to grade 11 and 12 students who are involved in the Global Affairs, Global Health, and Literacy Fellows programs. The students were keen to learn about the operational context of East Africa as well as more in-depth information on NGO management.

Both speaking engagements were very well received by the students and administrators and plans have been made to continue these relationships for future engagements.

Beautiful day in Virginia on Norfolk Academy’s campus!