So long, Cynthia Gervais – Hello, Sophie Rondeau!

Everyone who has been involved in the Network is acquainted with Cynthia Gervais. From the very inception of the project, dating to a little over four years ago, she has been coordinating its program of activities so dear to her heart. She has contributed strongly to the Network’s progress to date, in particular by listening to students and by first attempting to find out more about their interests in order to accompany them in the realisation of their projects. However, the time has come for Cynthia to take up new challenges. Now following her recent tenure at the Network, which succeeded many years spent in the sector of international development and human rights, Cynthia will be heading up the Rights and Democracy’s new office in Geneva. The Network will not be left high and dry for all that, however! Namely, Sophie Rondeau has been given the honour of taking over from Cynthia. Herewith: alternating interviews conducted by the coordinators past and present!

Sophie Rondeau: So, Cynthia, busy as ever, I take it?

Cynthia Gervais: For sure. The mission of the new office that Rights and Democracy just opened in Geneva is to closely monitor the historic changes now occurring in the UN human rights system in conjunction with the founding of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in 2006. In particular, our ambition is to support the participation of our partners from the developing nations in the evaluation that will be performed of the human rights situation in each of the UN member States over the next four years. I am honoured that Rights and Democracy entrusted me with this important and most stimulating challenge.

Sophie : Let me ask you: what aspect of the Network do you think you’ll miss the most?

Cynthia: I will miss the students and their motivation, energy and inspiration. I will miss our partners: the professors, the representatives of NGOs and of government institutions, across Canada and abroad. Those partners who, like yourself, Sophie, during your stint at the Red Cross, gave generously of their expertise and resources on behalf of the students and their initiatives – and who believed as we do in the potential of the next generation to put the world to rights. I will miss the Network team, obviously, which has grown and changed with each passing year and which is made up of people who are deeply committed to the students and who helped build this initiative with me. However, I will continue to be working within the institution and I’m proudly now becoming a member of the “Network alumni” – that group of young professionals (including those who are “young at heart”) as we called them and who have spread out to all corners of Canada and the world.

Cynthia: So let me ask you: what attracted you to the Network?

Sophie : Its (ex-) coordinator! Seriously, even while on the outside, I was always very impressed by the Network’s accomplishments, the dynamism of the Delegations and the prominent role granted to student initiatives. In my duties during the last two years as coordinator of the Humanitarian Issues Programme for the Québec Division of the Canadian Red Cross, I had the opportunity to work with a number of the Network’s Delegations in Quebec and I found this experience to be extraordinary. Thus it seemed natural to want to push my commitment further. What is more, I can scarcely imagine a finer form of commitment to promoting human rights than to engage in a frank, open dialogue with young people in the universities, directly in their communities. The Network is the perfect place to combine work and passion!

Cynthia: Even before you officially took up the coordinator’s position, you had the opportunity to take part in the Network’s International Retreat last September. Tell me something about your first impressions.

Sophie: Talk about an energizing experience! I had the feeling that the team had a direct connection to the Delegations, and to their needs and their visions. That put me at ease right away. Also, I had such stimulating discussions with Delegates from all over Canada, and that only confirmed my commitment to the Network.

Sophie : So, Cynthia, as the outgoing coordinator, it’s only fair that you have the last word.

Cynthia : Thanks, Sophie. I most certainly wish to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who has joined us in embracing the vision promoted and pursued by Rights and Democracy. This vision included on the one hand, the institution’s capacity to place its expertise at the service of university students committed to actively promoting human rights around the world and, on the other hand, the benefits that the institution is likely to reap itself from the creativity and the insight informing the perspective of students on issues of concern to us all.

I wish you, Sophie, on behalf of the entire Network Team, the warmest of welcomes in your capacity of Network coordinator. I also envy you for the stimulating challenges ahead for you.

To one and all, I wish you much success and satisfaction in the pursuit of your activities.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead