Wenfei, Program Support Officer
Program of Study: Honours International Economics,
Virtual Internship Country: Lebanon
Canadian NGO: Mines Action Canada
Local NGO: Landmines Resource Center
It's been a month since I started my virtual international internship, and I couldn't be more grateful for this amazing opportunity. I have been working for a well-known NGO in the field of my studies, and it has been an incredibly enriching experience so far. I am working with a team of passionate individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in the local community. As part of the Faculty of Social Sciences’ international internship program, I have had the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts learned in the classroom to real-world situations. In this blog post, I will be sharing my monthly summary report of the progress I have made and the lessons I have learned.
This past month has been a whirlwind of new experiences, challenges, and personal growth. I have been able to work on several projects alongside my mentors and colleagues, and I am so proud of the work that we have accomplished together. During my first month here, I was introduced to several projects in which the NGO is involved, including the development of an improvised explosive devices (IEDs) awareness brochure for children.
The Development of an improvised explosive devices (IEDs) Awareness Brochure for Children: This task involved researching improvised explosive devices and their effects on children, as well as best practices for avoiding and responding to such incidents. The resulting brochure was designed to be both educational and engaging for children aged 12-15.
Creation of Victim Assistance Brochure: In this task, I conducted research on best practices for assisting victims of conflict and disasters and created a brochure that provides information and resources for victims and their families. The brochure also includes information on how to access support and services, such as counseling and medical care.
Needs Assessment Tool for Victims: This task involved creating a tool to assess the needs of victims of conflict and disasters, taking into account physical, psychological, and socio-economic needs. The tool will be used to prioritize resources and support for victims to monitor progress and assess the effectiveness of support services over time.
These experiences have provided me with a deeper understanding of the work of Mines Action Canada (MAC) and have allowed me to apply the knowledge I gained in my courses on social science.
I am also learning about the culture and history of the country. I have had the opportunity to read the book Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World, which is a collection of essays written by Arab women journalists who report on a range of issues and events happening in the Arab world. The essays offer unique perspectives on a range of topics, including politics, social issues, culture, and more. The book aims to give a voice to Arab women and to highlight the important contributions they are making as journalists and as members of their communities.
The internship has been a great opportunity for me to learn about development work in a different part of the world. I am grateful for the experience, and I am excited to see what the future holds. If you are considering an international internship, I highly recommend it. It is an amazing opportunity to gain practical experience, expand your network, and broaden your horizons.