Sera, intern
Program: International Development and Globalization
Virtual Internship Country: Ethiopia
Canadian NGO: Forum of Federations
As a virtual intern with the Forum of Federations, I’ve had the unique opportunity to contribute to key projects focused on strengthening Federal Governance and Pluralism in Ethiopia, from the comfort of my own home.
The Forum of Federations is a non-profit organization based in Canada that promotes federalism around the world. Currently, the Forum is implementing a 5-year project, Strengthening Federal Governance and Pluralism in Ethiopia, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented with various Ethiopian partners led by the House of Federation.
My virtual internship with the forum has been a rewarding experience thus far. Through this placement, I have had the opportunity to support the team on projects that are pertinent to strengthening federal governance and pluralism in Ethiopia. Although the capacity of my support is limited to editing, proofreading, and revising documents, my work has facilitated a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in mobilizing projects related to multi-level governance and access to constitutional justice in Ethiopia. Additionally, this internship has provided me with greater insights into the current social and political context in the country, as well as the technical, social, and economic barriers that impede the progress of the federal system in Ethiopia.
I would recommend this internship to anyone interested in policy and understanding the moving parts of developing a responsive government. The internship offers students a chance to put their academic knowledge into practice and explore the complexities of developing effective policies or programs within an established federal system.