Local leaders, global impact: Canadians making a difference abroad

(NC) Canada is known for a few of its exports, like oil, wood and precious metals, but there’s a new Canadian resource that’s making a significant impact across the world: its people. Local leaders are using their expertise and knowledge to make the world a better place in some amazing ways. Here’s just one example:

Strengthening healthcare in Nigeria. The west African nation has one of the continent’s largest economies, but Nigeria has faced decades of challenges since decolonization in 1960. Nigeria’s healthcare system has struggled to overcome a lack of infrastructure and investment, and a “brain drain” of skilled healthcare workers leaving the country to look for opportunities elsewhere.

Healthcare access is uneven across the country, with rural areas often going underserviced, especially in access to high-quality maternal and neonatal care. But two Canadians, Seyi Kakanfo and Tracey Foster, have been working to change that for Nigeria’s 236 million citizens.

Seyi and Tracey are both participants in Canada’s Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) project. It’s an initiative supported by Global Affairs Canada that recruits experts in a variety of industries and takes their experience abroad to partnering nations.

“The objective of the team is to improve the quality of healthcare for women, newborn children,

adolescent youths at the rural community level,” Seyi said in a recent interview on Canadian Changemakers, a podcast that features many experts and their projects around the globe.

The two women have brought their leadership skills and organizational management knowledge to Nigeria’s healthcare system. They're providing training and guidance and helping to build a stronger framework for patient care, especially for the more vulnerable or underserved populations. With their help, the healthcare system is building its capacity and reach.

“There’s a real desire to make the most of any opportunity, and that really stays with me to this day,” said Tracey.

Become a local leader. Nigeria is just one partner country benefitting from Canadian know-how and experience. There are opportunities all around the world in fields including firefighting, education, data management, climate policy and more.

Whether you’re looking to start a second career, or you’ve got a passion for your area of expertise, there’s a chance to apply it to making a real difference overseas, and to make the world a better place.

Hear Tracey and Seyi’s story, as well as other local leaders making a difference around the world, at tap-pat.ca/canadian-changemakers.