Laury, International Development and Globalization Studies
Field Placement Country: Senegal
Canadian NGO: Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI)
Local NGO: Youth College of the Peanut Producers' Framework for Dialogue (CDJ/CCPA)
I am a fourth-year student in the International Development and Globalization program. From a young age, I have always had a deep respect for the environment and a desire to help in various ways. However, it was during a humanitarian trip organized by my high school that I truly became aware of my professional calling: working in a non-governmental organization and carrying out international humanitarian missions. To make this dream a reality, I decided to participate in the international internship program offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa.
I am currently completing an internship in Senegal as a Climate Change Adaptation Officer with the Framework for Dialogue of Agricultural Producers (CCPA), a federation of professional farmers. The CCPA’s vision is to work towards a prosperous rural Senegal by focusing on agriculture, livestock farming, and sustainable environmental management. Their mission is to strengthen the organizational and professional capacities of the country’s agricultural producers. To achieve this goal, they collaborate with the Women’s College and the Youth College to address their needs and promote knowledge sharing and learning. The core values of the CCPA are commitment, integrity, transparency, and inclusion.
As part of my internship, my mission is to develop tools for monitoring climate change and to organize awareness workshops on the impact of human actions on the environment. I am excited to take on these challenges that have been entrusted to me.
The experience I am currently living is extremely enriching, as it allows me to put into practice the theoretical knowledge I have acquired while deepening my understanding of certain concepts from my program. This internship offers me the opportunity to see the reality on the ground, which is a significant shift from simply reading articles on the same subject to complete my academic assignments. Moreover, this internship represents an excellent opportunity for me to gain a concrete glimpse of what lies ahead after obtaining my bachelor's degree.
I would like to express my gratitude to the representatives of the local NGO, the Canadian NGO, and the faculty, who are guiding us with dedication. They provide exceptional support, both before our departure and throughout our time here. We were warmly welcomed, and their assistance has greatly facilitated our adjustment to this unfamiliar environment while ensuring our safety at all times.
I am currently about halfway through my internship, and there is still much to learn and discover. I eagerly look forward to what the coming weeks have in store. However, one thing is certain: I will come out of this experience not only enriched but also equipped with a valuable set of knowledge, both professionally and personally.