A month at the Economic and Social Research Foundation
Bode Brewer revised proposals for ESRF studies of civic engagement among Tanzanian students and took Swahili lessons at the office.
In April 2025, I was confronted with an opportunity to intern at a research institution in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, by Professor Dylan Groves. After much thought and consideration, I decided to seize the opportunity. For the entire month of June 2025, I interned at the Economic and Social Research Foundation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I was accompanied by Athena Wagner, a prospective senior at Lafayette College. Initially, I was a bit uneasy about living for an entire month with someone I had only met a few times. To my surprise, we worked exceptionally well together.
The Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) is an independent policy research think tank established in Tanzania for the purposes of undertaking research and providing evidence to support the economic management process in Tanzania. While there, I immersed myself in culture and education. In the office, I embraced the ‘9 to 5’ lifestyle through my many chores, article dissectings, and Swahili lessons.
While at the foundation, I spent much of my time inquiring and perusing the internet for information that could support future project proposals. While I revised and qualified multiple proposals for future ESRF projects, an example of one of my strongest revisions was a project proposal regarding civic engagement among secondary-school students in the region of Tanga. This research experiment, while in early development, would facilitate treatment and control groups to understand whether student interaction with the pillars of democracy would morph into a desire to become civically engaged. My revisions to the proposal were based on the means of administering the treatment. Through research and communication with locals, it was apparent that debate and contrary thoughts were non-existent. To address this deficiency, I proposed adding a debate forum to the treatment schools in the region to give students an early understanding of healthy disagreement.
In addition to that project, I was also tasked with brainstorming research questions and experimental design for college students in Tanzania. On one of the last days of my trip, I ventured out to the College of Dar es Salaam to perform very informal rounds of questioning to students on the ground. I was escorted by a student of the college. While our efforts to get an idea of democratic morale fell flat after being removed from campus, the experience gave me some insight into what life is like for those of us who seek to elicit change.
In addition to that research, we also completed a ‘Swahili 101’ language course that was taught by a research fellow. During these lessons, we learned directions, greetings, colors, fruit, and number systems. The Swahili basics truly helped communication between us and the locals.
Lastly, our experiences outside of the office might have topped our in-office work. Our exploration of a hodgepodge of cuisine gave my palate a workout, and I’m better for it. Between a ferry ride and an overnighter on the island of Zanzibar, to a long weekend and safari in the Serengeti, we covered much ground. This trip was truly a life-changing experience, and I am eternally grateful for the support and resources provided to me by Lafayette College. To future students who are offered such an opportunity, cur non?
I would be remiss if I did not specifically extend a thank you to Professor Dylan Groves, Danford Sango, and Athena Wagner.