Burrows, Kennedy - International Development and Globalization
Country of internship: Sri Lanka
Canadian NGO: Alternatives
Local NGO: NAFSO
How did participating in the FSS international internship enrich your university experience? Why did you want to do it?
Although I greatly appreciate the academic aspect of the classroom, I sought out this opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice in local development efforts. This experience allowed me to better understand the functioning of a local organization and its members, as well as the implementation of strategies discussed in class, such as theater for development. Beyond deepening my understanding of development work, this experience pushed me to think critically about the complexity of local initiatives, strengthened my ability to adapt and broadened my understanding of careers in international development.
Why did you choose Sri Lanka?
I was drawn to Sri Lanka because of NAFSO's mission and the internship's mandate, which aligned with my interest in program implementation, research and advocacy. Although the role was different from what I initially expected, it allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge and deepen my understanding of social and environmental challenges. Beyond the internship itself, my time in Sri Lanka was incredibly enriching, immersing me in the diversity of its landscapes, activities and culture. My involvement with NAFSO and its members not only broadened my perspective on development work, but also influenced my academic interests as I chose courses for my final semester.
Can you describe a typical day of your internship?
No two days are the same! On a typical day at the office, my fellow intern and I arrive around 9 a.m., work independently on articles or reports before heading to a roadside shop for a packet-rice-and-curry lunch. Often, colleagues stop by to share ongoing projects, insights or chat over tea. After work, we can stop at the market, prepare dinner together inspired by the flavors of local cuisine, and relax or communicate virtually with our loved ones. On weekends when we are free, we take the opportunity to explore the country, including Weligama, Kandy, Dambulla, Sigiriya, etc.
However, we appreciate breaking with this rhythm when we are invited to join our colleagues on field visits to various communities. These experiences have included women's day celebrations at the village level, district-level trade union and advocacy initiatives, discussions with provincial and national women's federations, regional “interpersonal dialogues” regional dialogues on post-war reconciliation, an international participatory action research coalition, an international seminar on debt cancellation, and global youth exchange programs hosted at NAFSO headquarters.
This constant exposure to new contexts, relationships and issues has made the internship dynamic and revealing. Whether in the office or in the field, each day offers a new opportunity to deepen my understanding of development and Sri Lanka.
What topics interest you the most?
Since the beginning of this internship, I have gradually moved from a certain shyness at the idea of getting involved in development work - concerned about my position, my experience and the need to earn my place through my contribution - to a willingness to focus on learning through immersion. I have been surprised by the evolution of my interests, particularly with regard to the persecution of human rights defenders, the way in which terms such as “sustainable development” can be misleading, and the way in which the political instrumentalization of fear and division not only has an impact on reconciliation efforts at the national level, but also profoundly affects interpersonal relationships. I witnessed the challenges of reconciliation following an ethnic conflict, where healing must take place not only within personal relationships, but also through systemic change to ensure accountability and dismantle systemic discrimination.
This experience also reshaped my understanding of development work outside Western frameworks, where investing in relationships and advancing professional objectives are not mutually exclusive. I have a greater appreciation for those who overcome cultural and linguistic barriers in a place that does not feel like home, as overcoming these barriers is an opportunity for personal growth, even if it comes with difficulties and adjustments to expectations.
At the same time, I am learning to find a balance between general theoretical frameworks (for example, taking into account positionality, inequality, capitalism and resistance) and simply interacting well with people as human beings. While theory shapes how I approach these relationships, focusing too much on it can create distance, making it more difficult to actively listen and connect sincerely on a personal level.
Are there any achievements from your internship or projects that you are particularly proud of?
I am grateful for having had the opportunity to understand Sri Lanka through relationships, immersion and direct engagement in a wide range of activities. I am particularly proud of an article I wrote on human rights defenders, which not only deepened my own understanding of the subject, but also allowed me to contribute to a broader conversation. I had the privilege of presenting some of these cases and facilitating dialogue on the issue at one of NAFSO's interpersonal dialogues, where Sri Lankans from the Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities came together to discuss the challenges and prospects of the post-war period. Before the end of my internship, I will also contribute to the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders in the context of the climate crisis, which is an opportunity to draw attention to the challenges faced by those on the front line of environmental and human rights defense. These experiences have pushed me to think more critically about the role of advocacy, the importance of inter-community dialogue, and how active resistance and resilience can be a powerful tool for advancing human rights.
What are some experiences that you didn't expect and are grateful for?
An unexpected but invaluable experience was my participation in the World Forum of Fisher Peoples' youth exchange program, held at NAFSO headquarters. By participating in this training, as well as attending various WFFP meetings, I was exposed to a variety of new ideas and rhetoric applied to specific case studies. Beyond the knowledge I gained, this experience also reinforced the importance of reflexivity and managing cultural differences, particularly in collaborative spaces. I also got to catch up with friends I had met a month earlier at the NAFSO national youth leadership training.
I never imagined that I would have the privilege of participating in a leadership training course with young people from all over Sri Lanka, but it was a significant experience during my internship, helping me to understand the country and get to know myself better. At the Academy of Adventure, I learned not only from the staff but also from my classmates as we tackled group activities that required us to overcome language barriers. Through these interactions, I was able to see for myself how bringing communities together around a common goal can allow interpersonal relationships to play a crucial role in ethnic reconciliation.
Did you do anything to immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture?
Although I was unable to learn Tamil or Sinhala beyond common greetings, I made a conscious effort to learn from those who were open to communicating with me in English. I took opportunities to build relationships by accepting most invitations and traveling to different parts of the country for work and leisure.
When participating in tourist activities, I intentionally supported small-scale initiatives, such as taking a cooking class at a woman's small restaurant. I also remained mindful of where my money was going, especially since many large-scale development projects have harmed the very communities we were working with by dispossessing them of their land and restricting their livelihoods and rights. Through these experiences, I gained a deeper appreciation for Sri Lankan culture, resilience and everyday realities.
Do you have any advice to share about lessons learned during your internship?
Personally, I found it helpful to continually remind myself that this internship is a learning experience, even if it takes the form of a job. This mindset helped me to accept cultural differences, to engage in activities for the pleasure of discovery (even if there was no immediate result) and to let my contributions be guided by interest and the desire to learn in all its forms.
I would also like to emphasize that your internship experience will be shaped by your interests, your strengths, your ability to adapt and your environment. No two people have the same experience, but there is always an opportunity to learn, whether this learning takes place in the usual university setting or involves appreciating the subtle differences surrounding an engagement. Accept any learning opportunity that comes your way and be honest with yourself if there are any unmet expectations so that you can engage more meaningfully in the unique experience that is available to you.