Kaede Kawauchi
Intern

January - March 2010

As a spring intern for UCRCA, I engaged in both academic and field research that allowed me to further understand the realities of poverty and social development in Asia. The internship?s focus on Mongolia was unique since most development-focused organizations tend to spotlight countries in Africa or Southeast Asia. Through analysis and research on Mongolia, I was exposed to the complex dynamics of Asian diplomacy, politics, and economics. I was also provided the opportunity to engage in field research, traveling to Mongolia for about a week to carry out surveys and undertake in development projects around Ulaanbaatar, the main city of Mongolia. One of UCRCA?s new projects, ?Community Building Youth Leadership Club,? was established during this time in collaboration with the local NGO. I was able to meet and talk to various people in Mongolia ranging from elementary students, nomadic families, domestic NGO and NPO members, to a leading female politician.  Because I fully supported UCRCA?s small-scale local approach to strengthen and build a social community for the purpose of securing the well-being of each citizen, I found myself very invested in the hands-on projects and confident in the project?s impact for the communities in Ulaanbaatar.  The internship at UCRCA was an eye-opening experience, encouraging me to view ?Asia? also through the lens of Mongolia and to take action by engaging in specific development projects on ground.