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One experience that had a significant impact on me during my internship was my involvement in a sandfish farming project focused on breeding and rearing sea cucumbers. This project involved developing a budget, implementing proper methodologies, and conducting an impact assessment. Through this project, I gained valuable skills that will continue to benefit me as I contribute to this initiative. It taught me the importance of taking on challenges, turning them into tangible accomplishments, and striving to make a positive difference. I learned the value of perseverance and the satisfaction that comes from seeing a project through to completion.
My internship experience at the marine hub had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. I acquired numerous valuable skills that not only contributed to my own development but will also play a crucial role in shaping my future career. Learning and applying practical knowledge in a real-world setting expanded my horizons and helped me better understand my strengths and weaknesses. From public speaking and project planning to teamwork and communication, I gained a diverse set of skills such as data entry, design, accounting, budgeting, and interpersonal skills. These skills will undoubtedly support my future endeavors in the field of marine conservation.
Throughout my internship, I encountered a significant challenge: the language barrier. Interacting with the local community proved to be complex as they primarily spoke their local language and Swahili, which I needed to improve. This obstacle hindered my ability to connect with them initially. Thankfully, I had colleagues who were fluent in Swahili, and their assistance proved invaluable in helping me learn the language. Over time, I gained the courage to engage with the community and hold conversations in Swahili, thanks to their guidance. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness, especially in a multicultural setting where challenges can arise.
One of the most surprising discoveries I made during my internship was the vibrant and diverse life that exists underwater. Although I had learned about oceans and coral reefs before, experiencing the beauty and complexity of these ecosystems in person was truly eye-opening. Witnessing the stunning marine life repeatedly was a privilege and left a lasting impression on me. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised to witness a positive side of human activity amidst the ocean environment. This experience reinforced my enthusiasm for supporting the extraordinary efforts of the Oceans Alive Trust in preserving and protecting these vital marine ecosystems.
Interacting with the Kuruwitu community was a captivating aspect of my internship. It provided me with a fascinating insight into their values, culture, and way of life. As a community heavily dependent on the ocean for their livelihood, they have firsthand experience of the impact of environmental changes. It was inspiring to see their proactive measures and commitment to ecological sustainability. They recognize the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations, even as they explore alternative solutions due to the impact of climate change. Witnessing their deep connection with the environment and their determination to protect it left a profound impact on me.
My internship at the Marine Hub marked a turning point in my career trajectory. It provided me with valuable insights and experiences that helped me realize my potential. Throughout my internship, I discovered my passion for exploring the blue economy and gaining a better understanding of its potential. The fishing industry, in particular, intrigued me, and I became fascinated by its economic impact within the context of the blue economy. This thrilling experience opened my eyes to a world of possibilities, and I am eager to delve deeper into the marine economy and pursue a career in this exciting and rapidly-evolving field.
Reflecting on my internship experience, I identified areas where I could have improved. One crucial aspect I would do differently is adapting more quickly to my new environment. Adjusting to the new setting took me some time, resulting in a few unfinished projects. To enhance my future experiences, I aim to improve my planning skills and ensure better preparedness for new challenges. For anyone considering this internship, my advice is to seize the opportunity and explore it to the fullest. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can open doors to personal and professional growth. I also recommend prioritizing building connections with colleagues and the local community to maximize the learning experience and contribute meaningfully to the organization's goals.
As a Rwandan in Kenya, building connections played a crucial role in my internship journey. Establishing strong relationships with my colleagues helped me learn Swahili, adapt quickly to the environment, and navigate the challenges I faced. Since I was working with a community-based organization, forging connections with the local community was vital to creating sustainable solutions. Through my interactions with the Kuruwitu women's group and the Kuruwitu Beach Management Unit (K-BMU), I identified areas where I could contribute and assessed their sustainability potential. Building a connection with the Oceans Alive team, particularly my supervisor, was a significant achievement as it provided me with valuable resources. These connections were meaningful to me as they played a pivotal role in maximizing my internship experience and making a meaningful contribution.
The ALU School of Wildlife Conservation is the first of its kind on the continent, dedicated to growing the next generation of world class conservation leaders in Africa.
The continent needs home grown African leaders to spearhead new and innovative approaches in the business of conservation.
Bumbogo, Kigali Innovation City, Next to Azam, Kigali, Rwanda
Phone: +250 784 650 219
sowc@alueducation.com