“I learned the value of making personal connections by opening myself for cultural exchange, which helped me truly become part of the community.” – Annie Kelley
Learn from Annie, a female empowerment education intern in Zambia, whose inspiring stories highlight the power of education and community engagement in transforming lives. Through her journey, she showcases the meaningful impact of grassroots initiatives and the strength of women striving for equality.
KEY FACTS:
- Location: Livingstone, Zambia
- Academic Focus Area: Facilitation, Research, Education
- Length: 8 to 26 weeks
THE INTERNSHIP
As a female empowerment education intern in a vibrant community near Livingstone, just a stone’s throw from the breathtaking Victoria Falls, you’ll be immersed in a dynamic project that blends education with empowerment. In the mornings, the community center serves as a preschool, providing high-quality education to young children, while in the afternoons, it transforms into a workshop space dedicated to health education for girls and women. Your role will involve researching and creating engaging, visual materials to enhance these workshops, and if you’re in the field, you’ll have the chance to help run them firsthand. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a grassroots gender equality initiative and make a tangible impact in a community that values both education and empowerment.
THE ORGANIZATION
A community center in Mwandi, a rural area near Livingstone, offers a wide range of free educational programs to address local challenges. It provides primary education for children aged 2 to 6 in the mornings and hosts various workshops and clubs in the afternoons. These include skill development in areas like woodcarving, cooking, and gardening, a support group for teenage girls, a recycling club, a women’s empowerment group, health workshops on diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria, and a chess club. The center serves as a vital hub for learning, personal growth, and community support.
ABOUT ANNIE
Meet Annie, a driven and compassionate individual with a deep commitment to addressing health inequalities. Fueled by her desire to gain hands-on experience in community health, she chose this internship as a stepping stone to support her career goals while embracing the chance to work in a culturally rich and dynamic environment. For Annie, stepping out of her comfort zone meant connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, learning new skills, and growing both personally and professionally. Her passion for making a meaningful impact shines through in everything she does, making her an inspiring addition to the team.
EXPERIENCE AS A TEACHER IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY
During her female empowerment education internship, Annie took on a diverse range of responsibilities, making a significant impact on both children and adults in the community. “I created educational resources for preschool students and health resources for adults in the community, while also leading two clubs and two workshops during my internship: Health Club, Math Club, Youth Empowerment Workshop, and a Canva Design Workshop.” Through these initiatives, she was able to directly engage with individuals from various age groups, empowering them with valuable knowledge and skills that could improve their lives.
Throughout her internship, Annie had the opportunity to refine her teaching abilities in a variety of settings. “During this internship, I strengthened my teaching skills in both formal and informal settings.” This experience allowed her to adapt her approach to different environments, ensuring that her teaching methods were effective and engaging for all participants.
Annie also expanded her understanding of cultural integration, a key component of her work. “I also gained valuable experience in cultural integration, learning how to educate in ways that are culturally relevant and sustainable for diverse communities.” By immersing herself in the cultural dynamics of the community, she learned how to tailor her educational strategies to ensure they were respectful of, and aligned with the community’s values and needs.
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NEW ROUTINES
One of the highlights of Annie’s education internship was the daily ritual of feeding a dog that lived next door. “Each time I walked up the back steps of the school, a group of students would be waiting there for me, eager to give me hugs and chat before I went to feed the dog. Their enthusiasm always brightened my day, and I looked forward to those moments of connection. These small interactions with the students created a sense of warmth and belonging, reminding her of the simple joys of everyday life.”
Another memorable experience for Annie was walking with a fellow intern to lead a youth empowerment and puberty workshop at a local primary school. “One day, as we were leaving the school, our students were let out at the same time and decided to walk back with us. They showed us a shortcut from their school to ours and shared more about their lives, teaching us phrases in Nyanja, the local language.” This shared journey gave Annie a deeper connection to the community, offering her new insights into their culture and everyday experiences.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
“During this internship, I strengthened my teaching skills in both formal and informal settings.” This hands-on experience allowed her to adapt her teaching approach to suit different environments and learning needs. She also gained valuable experience in cultural integration, learning how to educate in ways that are “culturally relevant and sustainable for diverse communities.” This knowledge deepened her understanding of how to approach education in a way that is both respectful and effective across different cultural contexts.
“My time in Zambia had a huge impact on both my personal and professional life. I met incredible people, both locals and expats, and truly felt like a part of the Zambian community.” Through these interactions, Annie was able to build meaningful connections that enriched her experience. Additionally, she gained valuable job skills that will serve her well in the future. “This experience has made me excited to travel and work in similar environments going forward.”
SOLIDIFYING CAREER GOALS
Annie’s experience further solidified her career aspirations. “My career goal is to work in global health and social work, with a focus on community-based approaches to addressing inequality and health issues. This internship really strengthened my passion for the field and confirmed my commitment to pursuing a career that makes a lasting, positive impact on communities.” Her female empowerment education internship not only helped her gain hands-on experience but also reinforced her dedication to making a meaningful difference in global health and social work.
“I learned the importance of being assertive, even in unfamiliar environments, and how to adapt my teaching style to work with people from diverse demographics, education levels, and cultures. These lessons have been crucial in building my confidence and flexibility as a professional.”
EMBARK ON YOUR OWN TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY WITH ROOTS
Annie’s story offers a captivating glimpse into how pursuing your passion can create a vibrant masterpiece in the gallery of your professional journey. If you’re interested in a female empowerment internship or want to explore our various internships abroad, feel free to cruise along our website, your perfect match will find you!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information!
