Week VI: UN, US & International Independence
This week balanced solid groundwork on grant writing with preparing to move forward on the Kigali proposal next week, all while taking time to explore, celebrate the Fourth of July, and learn a bit of international history.
Laying the Groundwork for Grants
Our Rwanda office was closed part of this week in observance of Independence Day (July 1) and Liberation Day (July 4), so our Kigali grant work paused temporarily. I met with Julie Stanwyck, a fellow William & Mary Law student working with Rwanda Bridges to Justice (RBJ), and we’re planning to collaborate more closely starting next week as we coordinate the proposal.
In the meantime, I focused on Myanmar-related work this week, developing both a generic grant template and a concept note that will serve as a foundation for future Myanmar grant proposals. The goal is to ensure the team won’t have to start from scratch each time, making our process more efficient while maintaining strong, country-specific framing that meets diverse donor requirements. It’s been a valuable exercise in balancing legal context, compliance, and compelling storytelling to support our mission.
Beyond Work
Where the World Meets
One midweek highlight was finally taking a guided UN tour at the Palais des Nations. Walking through halls where human rights debates and international treaties are negotiated felt truly special.
Our guide shared fascinating history about how Woodrow Wilson pushed to establish the League of Nations in Geneva because of its neutral, central European location. Even today, so many landmarks here are named after him. It was striking to stand in a building that embodies that legacy, where the League’s early ideals of international cooperation evolved into the United Nations’ modern mission.
I got to hear part of Angola’s Human Rights Council report in the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, a conference room donated by the Kingdom of Spain. The vibrant, textured ceiling was created by Spanish artist Miquel Barceló. The experience reinforced why our work, strengthening legal aid, reducing pre-trial detention, and supporting fair representation, matters on a truly global scale.
She’s Beauty, She’s Grace, She’s Miss United States
For the Fourth of July, a few interns wanted a slice of Americana from Geneva, so we went to the American Dream Diner. I got a chili dog (no bun) and a Dr. Pepper float, a fun nod to home.
We then headed to Bains des Pâquis on Lake Geneva to cool off and enjoy the evening. Another intern and I swam out to a platform and hoped to get a wholesome video of the pair of us jumping in together. Instead, I completely ate it on the platform, slipping hard and nearly going headfirst off the edge before catching myself. Thankfully, I didn’t take her down with me, and the entire wipeout was captured on video (even better than a cute vid in my book).
Montreux Adventures
Saturday was another personal highlight: I took a day trip to Montreux and visited the Château de Chillon, a stunning medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva.
The castle’s layered history is fascinating. It served as a fortress and prison, most famously holding François Bonivard, a Genevan patriot who was chained in the dungeon for years. Lord Byron visited in 1816, carved his name into one of the dungeon pillars, and later wrote his poem The Prisoner of Chillon inspired by Bonivard’s captivity.
Beyond its dramatic history, the castle’s picturesque island setting on Lake Geneva has even been cited as the visual inspiration for Prince Eric’s castle in The Little Mermaid.
After the tour, I found a little spot on the shore to sit and read for a while, enjoying the peaceful view of the lake and castle in the distance. Eventually, I wandered along the lakeside, stopping frequently to admire views that brought back memories of Lugano. I capped it off with a surprise bonus: catching a free set by Juicy Lemon Club at the Montreux Jazz Festival and leaving with a branded hat as a fun souvenir. It was the perfect blend of history, music, and stunning scenery.
Now that I’m entering the second half of my time here, I’m reflecting on the growth so far, in grant writing and in solo exploration. I’m excited to lead the Kigali grant next week and see what else this experience will bring.
À la semaine prochaine,
Sydney