The new International Development student society, KCLID was created in February 2019. Founding member, Evgeny Dunaev talks about why the society was created and how fellow students can get involved:

KCLID is inherently linked to the notions and concepts studied in the Department of International Development, which bring students closer to contemporary challenges, such as unsustainable resource extraction, economic inequality and the social injustices plaguing the Earth today.

Our mission is to create a thoughtful and balanced discourse and to empower students to help battle the obstacles facing individuals in the developing world. We aim to promote an understanding and engagement with the impacts of development issues and to create an inspiring educational environment that brings out the best in our members. 

The idea for the society came from a text message two days before our January exams, asking whether anyone was interested in dusting off the cobwebs of the old society. A week later, we had our first meeting in a small, cramped room in the Maugham Library.

We've now grown to 17 committee members, whose roles range from organising events and panel discussions to writing articles about development issues around the world. 

We meet regularly each week and have started writing a blog, which helps to improve our writing and investigative skills. We're also running a joint project with Impacto International, which aims to connect student 'consultants' and local governments in several Peruvian townships. 

Ultimately, we hope that our members are able to broaden their understanding of development issues and gain the necessary experience, skills and know-how for a career in development.

To find out more about KCLID or how you can get involved, follow us on social media or visit our website: www.idsockcl.com