On July 15th fifteen newly inducted Leland International Hunger Fellows met for the first time in Washington, D.C., before heading out with Leland program staff to spend a weekend together at the Woods Retreat and Conference Center in West Virginia. The Woods proved to be an ideal setting for getting to know each other on both a personal and professional level, and it gave staff an opportunity to familiarize fellows with the responsibilities, expectations, and opportunities that are shared among CHC program staff, host organizations, and the fellows themselves. One of the highlights of the retreat was listening to the fellows’ five minute presentations on a topic of their choice. It gave everyone the chance to share a unique aspect of themselves with the rest of the group—be it a compelling personal experience or the opportunity to lead a discussion on a topic they felt particularly passionate about. The presentations left everyone feeling impressed and humbled by the collective insight and experience in the group.
The Fellows returned to Washington D.C. on Sunday, and began a week of field training at CHC the following morning. Over the course of the week, the fellows were introduced to the full spectrum of food security work in the field. Sessions included: History and Evolution of U.S. Food Assistance, Heath and Nutrition Development Programming, Agriculture Programming and International Development, Local Capacity Building, and a skills training session on Program Evaluation. Fellows met Leland alumni, learned about CHC’s Emerson Fellowship Program, and finished off the week with a celebration at the annual Hunger Fellows’ Party hosted by CHC’s Executive Director, Ed Cooney.
The Fellows have now departed for their field sites in Africa, Asia and Latin America where they will be working with their host organizations over the next eleven months. We look forward to hearing about and sharing the experiences and lessons they take away from the field year. To meet the 6th Class of Leland Fellows, go here.
Congratulations and best of luck, 6th Class Fellows!