Derrick L Burke's Page

What college/university do you attend?

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What is your major/minor?

Major-Geography, Minor- City and Regional Planning

What is the program with which you are going abroad:

School for International Training: Uganda- Development Studies

Where will you be studying/volunteering/working abroad? Please state the country(ies) and city(ies).

Kampala, Uganda

What are the approximate dates of your education abroad experience?

August 24, 2009 - December 6, 2009

Please provide a brief description of what you will be studying or doing while abroad.

The program focuses on the development of Uganda and is based upon development in theory and in practice. The program will also focus on Uganda's history, culture, economy, environment, and politics, all which are essential to the country's development. While studying these various development theories, I will also get the chance to do an independent study project on a topic of my choice and have the opportunity to gain hands on experience with non-governmental organizations in the host country.

Why do you want to become a Green Passport holder?

Globalization has taken over the world today, so no longer can we continue to think locally. I think that the world is so connected that almost everything one place do will have an effect on another. Its important that we tackle social and environmental problems on a global scale. Environmental problems such as pollution show no care for boundaries and lines made by people. A pollution problem created by one country can just as well affect another. I want to become a Green Passport holder for I can advocate for matters of this sort.

If you consider yourself to be an environmentally and socially responsible person while at home, please explain how so (may include activities or organizations with which you are affiliated):

An organizations I am in that relate somewhat to social problems is Habitat for Humanity. It's way of being socially responsible because not everyone can afford a home, so we help these people get them. I exhibit my environmental responsibilities by trying to recycle as much as possible, and to conserve as much as possible. I sometimes do this by doing things as simple as washing my clothes with cold water only, or taking short showers.