work & life

Transitioning into an extremely busy NGO and learning the tasks of my job and my unit have not been easy. It’s been a whirl wind trying to learn the basic’s of the Information, Advocacy and Training Unit, let alone the entire organization, but I like a challenge! It’s been great learning the ropes of the organization.

“If things were easy, everyone would do it” Those are words I’ve heard my whole entire life. There were times in my life when I always complained things were so hard, and times I wanted to just simply give up and be a quitter, especially through my first years of University, I owe those words to my Dad. He never dilly dallied around things, Bill Ferland just gives it to ya straight, even if it you don’t like it. I can still hear my dad’s words in my head, “If it was easy to live and work in Zambia, everyone would do it” and instantly I pick myself up and keep working hard.

I remind myself how hard I have had to work to get to this position at where I am today. I do my work to the best of my ability. I want to make every project worth-while, because I do not when I will be able to return to Zambia next.

I feel I can not write the exact words how I have grown personally, and professionally. All my four years University has contributed to the success of my work in Zambia. All the people I have ever networked in my life has given me the skills to succeed in my International internship placement.

I am only half way through my internship and there is still much learning to come. I am excited for all the projects that have presented themselves through- out the course of this internship.

I have had my whole entire world cracked open, and I believe I am seeing for the first time.  I am so grateful for wealth of knowledge Zambia and Women for Change has given me, and my experiences In South Africa will be beneficial to First Nations communities back in Canada.

International Development

Never have I been so proud of my community. Samson’s role in International Development is amazing. I am grateful to have the support of so many community members who have been supportive of me through this journey in South Africa.

Samson has supported me, not only through my internship in Zambia, but they have also contributed to my efforts In Fiji of the Summer of 2011.

The Samson Cree Nation may not know this, but they have helped build a school in Lawaki Villiage in Fiji. They have supported me to help families in Fiji by purchasing small items for families in Fiji like tooth brushes, school supplies, and toys.

Samson leadership has also contributed a lap top to Women for Change, It will be used to disseminate information to donors, government officials, partners, NGO’s, & the general public.Information is the greatest source of Education for prevention.

Samson Education Trust Fund has made a financial contribution to update the software for Women for Change’s Lusaka office.

It is amazing to see the Samson Cree Nation helping our brothers and sisters in South Africa.

Thank You!

Super Big Thank You to Samson Education Trust Fund for their donation to Women for Change! The donation was for Women for Change to update their software on their lap tops.

It is important for the field animators to have up to date software to update their reports and document all experiences in the field. It also helps the staff in the office with proposal writing, to keep this amazing organization on its feet.

Women for Change thanks SETF

Half Way Point

As I reach the half-way point in Zambia, of this four month Internship. I have learned from some of the most influential and knowledgeable staff in South Africa. I will be forever grateful, for the learning thus far. In two months, I have experienced an emotional roller coaster; however, my experience has been plentiful. The only thing that scares me is how fast time is flying by.

In two months, I have accomplished many additional tasks that Information, Advocacy & Training unit as well as Women for Change can benefit from, long after I am gone. (Essentially the idea of sustainability)

I have undergone internship orientation with all units within Women for Change.

I have created a four page Child & Youth document- The document discusses issues of gender based violence and its lasting effects on children. I included information on what to do if you or someone you know is a victim of gender based violence. It also has articles about youth and small income generating activities. There is articles of youth role models who have done positive things for their community.

I have worked with my supervisor Lumba to print 3000 calendars. The Calendars display the theme “The Zambia We Want”. The calendars show photos of rural people demanding their five basic rights. 200 of these calendars have made it to Senanga which is a rural area ten hours away from Lusaka, near the border of Angola.

I have written a 50 Year Anniversary letter, to United Church Women on behalf of Dr. Sicaswe Congratulating them on their 50^th Anniversary. United Church Women was the first funder to ever work with WFC. This was a huge honor to be able to do this.

I have created an Information data base, this includes updated information in respect to all of Women for Change’s donors, partners, local NGO’s, International NGO’s, academic & research institutions.

I have done some fundraising for Women for Change with some help from Alberta, Canada.

I have been fortunate to participate in meetings in respect to National Birth registration, and providing input and examples of how Canada does this. Many Zambians have not been registered to Zambia. It is your right, to be born to a Nationality, and to be born with a name. This is not Universal and Women for Change is hoping to be able to sensitize rural areas on the benefits of registering their babies.

Those are just the tasks I’ve accomplished. The learning I have done outside of these duties, is far beyond what I ever expected or could have hoped for. The exciting thing about this internship, is that the learning never stops. I can’t believe I am half way through. I still have so much to learn. I couldn’t be more happier with my internship placement and I truly believe in Women for Change’s ripple effect, and its so great to be apart of something great, something bigger!

Congratulations

Exciting News in South Africa this weekend. Joyce Banda is now the president of Malawi. Joyce is the first women president in South Africa.

Nothing is Impossible, The word itself is I'm Possible-Audrey Hepburn