Aminat, International Development and Globalization Studies
Country: Benin
Canadian NGO: Center for International Cooperation Studies CECI
Local NGO: Centre de Développement Économique Local (CDEL-ONG)
A few months before the start of my term, anxious and excited, I was browsing through the experiences of former volunteers. Here I am today, sharing with you the opportunity that has profoundly changed my perspective on my academic and professional path. I'm currently in Benin for an internship in Communication and Promotion of Social Networks with CECI's local partner, CDEL-ONG (Centre de Développement Économique Local). The aim of CDEL-ONG is to contribute to the economic and social development of vulnerable young people and women through professional integration and the technical and financial reinforcement of micro-entrepreneurs. In fact, my role is to improve their visibility by publishing content relating to the organization's activities and achievements, and then to build staff capacity in this area, as well as in the mobilization of online technical resources. When I signed up with the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa, I didn't fully realize the magnitude of the opportunity before me. I've been with the organization for one month now, and I'm constantly surprised by how many of the concepts I learned at school are directly applicable in the working world.
I'm a student of international development and globalization, and although my current internship is focused on communications, it fits in perfectly with my program of study. By working with the project manager, the writing team, the resource mobilization team and the field team, I'm able to make links with concepts I've learned in my theory courses. This understanding is an asset for me, as I'm able to understand and use specific development terms for creating content and writing articles to publish on their social networks or website.
So far this internship has provided me with several rewarding opportunities. I've had the opportunity to attend events that I didn't expect to take part in so early in my career. For example, I recently had the opportunity to take part in the launch of a project starting up in the communes of Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi and Avrankou, where I had the privilege of meeting local authorities, representatives of the Minister of Justice, one of the mayors, members of OXFAM and beneficiaries. Listening to the testimonies of the women who benefited from a previous project was particularly moving, as I realized the extent to which the actions undertaken by the organizations have a direct and positive impact on the target population, whether through training, financial support or material assistance.
I feel that between now and the end of my internship, I'll be able to develop socially, professionally and academically.