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!