Priceless Experience for Local Aid Organisation

MSPPM students Khandaker Jahan and Younqqiang Li

Carnegie Mellon University, Masters of Science in Public Policy and Management students Khandaker Jahan and Younqqiang Li were given the responsibility of analyzing data from a survey conducted by the 2h Project in different provinces in Cambodia where midwives were asked to respond as part of a training and education program. This analysis formed part of the students' assessment for their Applied Econometrics class. Based on the survey, they conducted econometric analysis using the Linear Probability Model, Logit Model and Probit Model.

The Adelaide based “The 2h Project” is a not for profit Australian aid and advocacy organization working with local communities overseas to provide assistance and hope for the future to the poor and disadvantaged members of society.

Following  the presentation of the students' findings, Kevin Taylor from the 2H Project said that “the whole experience was priceless” encouraging and stimulating thought amongst the other members of the team. Kevin said that he was impressed with the professionalism of the report and presentations and felt that the students had thought very carefully about their findings presenting them with sensitivity. For us “it was a run on the board”. Amongst the recommendations made by the students were the restructuring of the survey to provide quantitative information and the use of a program evaluation approach to assess the effectiveness of the birthing kit to determine the most effective means of making a difference to the infant and maternal mortality rates in Cambodia.  

Student projects for not-for-profit organisations are a common method of assessment and learning at Carnegie Mellon University and an opportunity for students to gain real-world experience, Heinz School Associate Dean Brenda Peyser says that “It’s estimated that our students and faculty in Pittsburgh and Adelaide contribute over 16,900 hours of service to the community through projects over the course of a year!”

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