News

Post-secondary students across Canada continue to make an impact on industry and community partners with their commitment to work-integrated learning (WIL) and determination to contribute positively to their workplaces.

Four students have been recognized in 2023 by CEWIL Canada for their outstanding achievements of the hundreds of thousands of students participating annually in WIL experiences in Canada.

One of these students is Kim Fiona Lemke, an International Food Business program student based at the Faculty of Agriculture.

Kim is studying International Food Business, a dual-degree program between Dalhousie University and Aeres UAS in The Netherlands.  Kim brings a unique perspective shaped by her multicultural background and experiences. Originally from Hamburg, Germany, Kim spent two and a half years in Canada before embarking on her dual-degree journey, demonstrating her adaptability and eagerness to explore diverse environments.

Her passion for food and its impact, not only on the environment but also on mental and physical health is deeply rooted in personal experiences, where she witnessed individuals lacking proper nutrition and the knowledge to make informed choices.  These encounters fueled her motivation to support people in accessing nutritious foods and advocating for positive change in food systems.

Kim is a shining example of the opportunities to be had by pursuing the IFB program,” explained Heather-Anne Grant, senior instructor, IFB Program.  “Combining knowledge of food, culture and business, with the goal to make a positive change in the world is fostered in all our students through their international experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom,” she added.  “We are very proud of Kim!  Her commitment to building strong communities through food literacy and entrepreneurship is inspiring.”

Kim's engagement with work-integrated learning (WIL) showcases her commitment to learning and making a difference. During her internship in St. Lucia, she worked with organizations like Helen’s Daughters, focusing on empowering female farmers and advocating for gender equality. Kim also collaborated with an ag-tech entrepreneur and supported initiatives to enhance the skills and employability of the local workforce. Her experiences broadened her understanding of the challenges in food production and consumption, from environmental sustainability to global disparities, shaping her academic and career goals.

As a proactive advocate for WIL, Kim has shared her experiences to inspire peers and promote WIL opportunities. She assisted new students preparing for international experiences and forged relationships between her university and organizations in St. Lucia, opening doors for future students.

Kim's dedication extends beyond her internship, as she continues to work remotely for Helen's Daughters, providing administrative, operational, and board liaison support. Her efforts pave the way for other students to engage with these organizations, showcasing her commitment to fostering sustainable food systems and empowering communities.

Kim's impact on academic units and peers is evident in her promotion of transformative learning experiences. Her experiences have been used as a promotional tool, encouraging students to seek extraordinary opportunities. Kim's dedication to promoting sustainable food systems and her ability to inspire others make her a deserving candidate for recognition. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of WIL, highlighting the importance of experiential learning in shaping future leaders in food business and sustainability.

“Kim is one of the most talented, intelligent, thoughtful, and intriguing students I have come across in my years of working in post-secondary education,“ said Joy Galloway-Jones, senior instructor/manager, WIL programs. “Kim has continued to challenge herself while gaining experience and wisdom beyond her years. She began searching for an internship placement almost immediately upon coming to Truro. She is motivated, passionate, and has a sincere desire to make the world a better place.“

All winners of CEWIL Canada’s Student of the Year Awards receive a certificate to commemorate their achievements. The prize also includes a $1500 cash award supported by the Emery-Dufault fund and CEWIL Canada.

Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada is the lead organization for work-integrated learning in Canada. CEWIL is Canada’s national association with over 1,600 individual members from 130 post-secondary institutions, representing over 100,000 co-op and work-integrated learning students. Current members include employers who recruit post-secondary students, WIL practitioners, organizations and industry partners who support post-secondary student recruitment.