The Humphrey Fellowship underscores CADCA’s commitment to developing and advancing the capacity of individuals, organizations, and institutions globally in the pursuit of building safe, healthy, and drug-free communities. The Humphrey Fellowship provides a 10-month, non-degree, academic study program for professional enrichment in the U.S. for experienced professionals from designated developing countries. The program hopes to foster a mutual exchange of knowledge and understanding about issues of common concern in the U.S. and the fellows’ home countries.
CADCA was pleased to host two fellows for the 2023-2024 cohort:
Ahmed Nawaz
Ahmed Nawaz, from Pakistan, worked for the Pakistan office of the U.N. Office on Drugs & Crime for almost 10 years. Most of his work surrounds drug demand reduction and HIV prevention treatment and care. His research focuses on alternative prevention models from around the world that educate and provide rehabilitation for prison populations, assessing their efficacy, and identifying the methods that can best be implemented in Pakistan locally.
During his fellowship term, Ahmed worked on a variety of important projects but one of the highlights of the program was the self-independence and leadership he gained from the experience. This independence extends beyond the academic space and into his personal life where he says he learned a lot about himself which helps him identify and empathize with those he works with in Pakistan.
He plans to use his experience at the fellowship to begin building coalitions in his community at the school-level. He is passionate about educating youth before they are exposed to substance misuse pressures and feels there is a significant benefit to providing this education to schoolchildren when they are young.
Sanju Senevirathne
Sanju Senevirathne, from Sri Lanka, has worked 13 years for the Ministry of Justice Department of Community-based Corrections in Sri Lanka. Her job responsibilities span both policy and implementation so she has a wide view of how government action can affect local communities. Her hope with the program was to learn more about best practices in substance use prevention and rehabilitation.
During her fellowship term, Sanju was most proud of being chosen for the fellowship and learning at VCU and King’s College London. She noticed an improvement in her leadership and presentation skills, and felt that the experience would help her improve her work when she returns home. She said working with CADCA was a perfect fit for her fellowship goals and learned a significant amount about the U.S.’s approaches to community-based prevention.
She plans to use her experience to expand the reach of the Ministry of Justice in Sri Lanka through proven, evidence-based programs. She has plans to implement the best practices that she learned back home to make an impact with community-based prevention.
