Leorah, International Development and Globalization
Virtual Internship Country: Sri Lanka
Canadian NGO: Alternatives
Local NGO: National Fisheries Solidarity Organization
I am working as a human rights research intern for the National Fishery Solidarity Organization (NAFSO) which is a fisherfolk movement of Sri Lanka that works with marginalized groups such as internally displaced persons, women and youth to promote human rights and truly sustainable development, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors in post-conflict Sri Lanka.
My work entails specific research on human rights or issues pertaining to sustainable development goals(SDG), such as climate and biodiversity. I am researching issues from how infrastructure projects affect livelihoods to how the climate and coastal, ‘life below water’ is affected by human activities.
NAFSO has done a great job of turning virtual. All meetings are hosted online, and we are constantly sending out emails that cc everyone (a small team of eight). They also got involved with a community-led research project run by ESCR-NET (International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) that involved seven other organizations in countries such as Ecuador and Guatemala. These meetings are held with about 45 participants once a week where we get together to refine our action plan and goals for the project starting in March 2021.NAFSO is a strong contributor, asking questions and helping other organizations while collaborating and taking ideas to alter their own action plan.
Going virtual can be tough when you are working with a small organization. This organization took it head-on. They are working on various projects virtually, holding community meetings and conducting community presentations online while also providing patience and time to orientate people who are not as technology-friendly at all meetings. This includes having interpreters for the three official languages: English, Tamil and Singhalese
They have been very adaptive to the COVID-19 policies in the country. This is helpful as an intern, as I feel like I am involved with the organization. They have made me feel included when I could have felt left out due to being across the world from my colleagues.