Leaders in Development

Year: 2013
Country: Senegal
Project Status: Funded
Impact Sector: Education
Project Investment: $664.03

Project Launch:

Leaders in Development is a five week summer internship program being developed in partnership with Lycee Mame Cheik Mbaye, the largest public high school in the city of Tambacounda, which is the largest city in Eastern Senegal. The school’s administrators are dedicated to placing high performing students in government offices and NGOs to gain professional experience. This idea is completely new to the region of Tambacounda; at present time there are no professional development opportunities for young people in the city. A number of partnering organizations, offices and business have agreed to accept an intern and have identified the type of student that would best suit their office.

At the end of the five week program, participants will have the opportunity to express what kind of work they did, why/why not they would like to continue to do this kind of work, and what challenges they faced. They will be supported to evaluate their future goals in light of their experience, to write a resume to include their new work experience, and they will receive certificates of participation. To avoid eliminating talented students who would normally be required to work during the summer to support family income, students will receive a stipend of 25,000 CFA (approximately $50), which will be held until the program has been completed. The relationships that the school establishes in this innovate program will allow it to offer the program for years to come.

 

Project Update

120 students applied for the program and nine students were accepted and successfully completed their summer internships. Through creating resumes, learning how to use computers, and partnering with local organizations, the students were exposed to a working environment and emerged as leaders. At the final ceremony, each student spoke about what they learned during their internship and their plans for the future. All of the students said they were comfortable in a professional environment and are motivated to continue working with local organizations.

 

Testimonials

"I learned a lot of things about the facilitation of a good enterprise. But also I learned how to be responsible and I learned that to be responsible is not only about respecting your responsibilities but also to be proud of the things that you want to do.” - Chierno, 15 year old Project Participant

 

"I have been very impressed with how capable, mature and hardworking the interns have been." - Erin, Peace Corps Volunteer 

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