One of three recipients of the President’s Grant for Student Engagement in 2014 (a donor-funded award that enables students to participate in international development work), Sara Bieniada used her grant for an internship with Lethbridge-based Bridges of Hope, a network of organizations that work with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice around the world. She spent two months in Burkina Faso, Africa, where she assisted at an orphanage, helped with child sponsorships, taught English and worked at the Bridges of Hope school. She also created a microfinancing project with Lethbridge elementary school children in support of Burkinabé people.

“We are all connected. We have to look beyond ourselves and realize we all have a lot to give. Change is made in small increments. It’s very possible, and it’s hugely impactful.”