I would like to begin by saying that I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Davies Family for their generous and unwavering support towards my internship. Your invaluable contribution has not only made this experience possible but has also empowered me to embark on a journey of growth, learning, and personal development. Your belief in the importance of nurturing young talents and fostering hands-on learning has truly made a significant impact on my life.
Now, I am pleased to present this report detailing my enriching internship experience at APECOS (Association de Prise en Charge des Orphelins du Sida), a commendable NGO dedicated to supporting children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS crisis. During my time at APECOS, I had the privilege to work closely with a team of dedicated professionals and engage with communities that have been marginalized due to the social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. This report outlines the valuable insights and lessons I gained regarding the humanitarian field, community development, and the crucial role NGOs play in driving positive change.
Background
My name is Ta茂na Dushime and I am a U2 student completing a major in International Development and a minor in African studies. As a student pursuing a career in the international field, I鈥檝e always been deeply committed to understanding and addressing the complex challenges facing vulnerable communities around the world. My passion for this sector stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of communities to drive positive change through sustainable reforms and effective assistance.
My desire to work with APECOS was heavily influenced by their mission statement and overall vision as they are aligned with what I want to dedicate my life to. APECOS is a non-governmental organization established in response to the pressing needs of children severely affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis. With a mission to provide holistic support, education, and empowerment to these vulnerable children, APECOS seeks to break the cycle of poverty and stigma that often accompanies their circumstances. The organization's focus on community development and awareness-building aligns with the broader goal of fostering a compassionate and inclusive society. Thus, I was drawn by their commitment to assist the youth in reconnecting with society and ensuring they have a fair shot at a stable future. Additionally, the fact that it鈥檚 located in Rwanda, which is my home country, is also something that pushed me to pursue this opportunity as I鈥檝e always wanted to contribute to the development of what I consider to be my motherland.
Duties as an Intern
My time at APECOS was truly a valuable experience as I was able to take on important responsibilities, while also being able to learn from skilled professionals. Indeed, I was trusted with hands-on tasks such as compiling the results of medical follow-ups of beneficiaries on antiretroviral drugs, conducting home visits accompanied by a supervisor to evaluate the state of our target groups, and preparing short and effective conferences on topics relevant to the importance of sexual health and poverty alleviation. This close contact with the beneficiaries allowed me to develop personal skills such as communication and empathy while also helping me connect further with them in order to genuinely integrate the communities I travelled to assist. Nonetheless, I did initially face a language barrier problem as I don鈥檛 speak the national language, Kinyarwanda, that well which sometimes made it difficult to effectively communicate. Fortunately, after a month of meeting the kids every day, we eventually found ways to understand each other through all kinds of non-verbal signs, intonation and even drawings when necessary. However, I have to say that working closely with them helped me improve my Kinyarwanda as my will to connect with them encouraged me to study the language in my free time.
Memorable Moments
During my internship, I had the opportunity to live through experiences that provided me with a comprehensive understanding of NGO work and the challenges faced by communities impacted by incurable diseases. Some of these unforgettable moments include one-on-one emotional conversations with children who have gone through extremely rough times in their short lives and who鈥檝e exposed me to a reality and worldview I had never encountered or studied. I also had the privilege of participating in eye-opening meetings with other local as well as international organizations which share the same cause. This allowed me to sit with people who have worked in this field for decades and know the ins and outs of the international development sector, which gave me a lot of insight into what my future career could resemble.
A Last Thank You
All in all, this internship was truly life-changing not only on a professional level, but on a personal level as well. Even though I did not apply to receive credit for this internship, I was able to receive funding for it, which covered most of my expenses for the trip. The funding was crucial as I would not have been able to participate in this initiative without it. From the plane tickets to the on-site transportation and accommodation, there is practically nothing the award did not cover. For this reason, I am truly thankful to the Davies Family for donating so generously and giving me the opportunity to discover my own potential as well as my ability to help those who surround me. I sincerely applaud the Davies Family鈥檚 willingness to support causes that help build-up students that will also go on to help empower others with the support they鈥檝e received. This is a true testament to how far paying it forward can go and of how many lives can be positively impacted by one initial will to do good. Moreover, this opportunity has opened my eyes to the various tools 平特五不中 provides for its students and has impacted the way I will be navigating the university from now on. Indeed, I look forward to returning to classes to advance on the road to a great career, but I鈥檓 also eager to discover all the internship and award opportunities that are offered and that will allow me to take-on more challenges and live through fulfilling experiences. Again, thank you to the 平特五不中 International Experience Awards founders, and Mr. Davies for making this experience possible.
