New York, NY, December 21, 2023 – MCW Global held its 4th edition of the Community Leaders in Africa Internship Program between June 1 and September 1, 2023. The program provides an internship opportunity to the Young Leaders Program alumni to develop their community development skills and equips them to address communities’ pressing needs worldwide. As part of the program, interns undergo an intensive professional and leadership experience at any of our affiliate organizations in Rwanda, Tanzania, or Zambia. Through this immersive program, they gain practical, professional community development experience while identifying and working on leadership skills and tools, increasing their self-awareness level, and working in a multicultural environment.
This year, the internships were held in-person, and interns spent three months working in the field with our Affiliate organizations.
Gabriel Chanda from Zambia joined MC-Rwanda, Michael Leo from Tanzania joined MC-Tanzania, and Veronica Silas from Nigeria joined MZ-Zambia as Communications Interns.
During his internship, Gabriel assisted MC-Rwanda in content development for the website, social media, and in-person campaigns. With the support of MC-Rwanda, Gabriel helped create a marketing strategy and write success and impact stories for the organization. Gabriel’s internship took place in Kigali.
“My internship experience was nothing short of fun, cultural shock, and empowering. I was privileged to work with a resourceful and motivating team that made my work easier. Working outside my comfort zone presented different challenges of, which I had to overcome in one way or another.” added Gabriel.
Michael assisted with a virtual fundraising campaign, design creation, and the organization’s social media visibility as part of his role. Michael helped create a communications strategy for MC-Tanzania by leveraging the organization’s results and ensuring consistent and engaging messaging is spread across the entire organization. Michael’s internship took place in Dar es Salaam.
“As a Communications Intern, I had the chance to actively contribute to maintaining web content, implementing social media strategies, and ensuring brand consistency. This hands-on role enhanced my skills in project coordination and social media management and provided valuable insights into effective communication strategies.” added Michael.
Further, in Lusaka, Veronica led the development of communication materials, including brochures, banners, leaflets, annual reports, and organization profiles. Additionally, as part of her role, she assisted in the development of a communication strategy for MC-Zambia and ensured consistent visibility across MC-Zambia’s social media channels.
“The experience was awe-inspiring, introducing me to a workspace that has a structure, enabling me to meet and surpass personal and professional goals I never expected, and reflection of the values of MCW even at the affiliate is really inspiring.” added Veronica.
To enhance the interns’ experience, we paired them up with mentors – who have previously interned with MCW Affiliates and have undergone a similar process. Mentors went through a mentor training program that prepared them to guide the interns’ personal and professional development and support the creation of a personalized development tree. The interns were also supported by orientation sessions and development check-ins during the internship, facilitated by MCW Global team and MCW’s affiliate organizations.
Community Leaders in Africa is an opportunity for young leaders within our alums to augment their community development skills for a more significant impact. With a mix of professional and personal development opportunities, interns leave the program better equipped to effect meaningful change in their own communities using skills and lessons gained during their internships.
About Us
MCW Global is a non-profit organization with a vision for communities around the world to achieve greater levels of education, improved health, and increased economic security. Our mission is to address communities’ pressing needs by empowering current leaders and readying leaders of tomorrow. Founded in 1999, MCW Global is based in New York with affiliates in Africa (Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia). MCW Global offers Young Leaders and Africa Programs. Across all our programs, we seek to act with integrity, compassion, accountability, responsibility, and excellence.
For more information and our recent activities, please visit www.mcwglobal.org
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