High School Summer Internship Program in Kolda, Senegal

Year: 2015
Country: Senegal
Project Status: Funded
Impact Sector: Economic Opportunity
Project Investment: $1,005.33

Project Launch:

This project will take place in Kolda, one of the country’s poorest regions. In Kolda, employment opportunities are limited, especially for young people. This project will provide 12 students from the largest high school in Kolda with six-week, paid summer internships with local development organizations. The students will learn proper work etiquette, basic computer skills, and how to write a resume. The aim of the project is to have local professionals mentor local students and help them to establish career goals while getting hands on experience. The students will gain valuable professional skills, which can be applied to future employment opportunities. This program was successfully launched in 2014 with World Connect’s support and has expanded in 2015 to include more students and participating organizations. Click here to learn more about the program in 2014.

Project Update

The project was a huge success! The internship program gave students the experience of applying and interviewing for a position, working in a professional setting, and establishing career goals, all things they might not otherwise be exposed to until after university. The 12 interns worked on various projects in the community including registering income generating groups at the Chamber of Commerce, assisting with consultations at a women's health clinic, participating in improved seed variety distribution at a government agriculture program, implementing a project to grow nutritional foods at the household level, and working at a hotel and conference center. The interns filled out progress reports and participated in weekly professional development sessions to learn more about leadership, public speaking, and budgeting. At the end of their internship, they presented their experiences to their supervisors and parents, and will present to their fellow students and teachers once school is back in session.

Testimonials

"This program is a good initiative that enhances the leadership skills of the awardees and allows them to have a clear idea about their futures, and tackle professional life with regards to health, economic development, and entrepreneurship." - Madame Fanta, Project Supervisor 

"This program has a positive impact in the consciousness of the interns. Not only does it reinforce their abilities in the workplace (work ethic, punctuality, professional behavior), but it changes their vision of the world. This is education - it is not just books, but an increased sense of responsibility to succeed in life and success in life requires hard work. It has also motivated their parents to be more involved and perceptive about their students' academic lives. I ran into a parent the other day who told me that each evening, his daughter gave a summary of what she had done that day. He found this not only inspiring for his child but for him as well." - Abdourahamane, Project Leader

Explore other Projects

Featured Projects