Alexandra, DVM student
Country of internship : Democratic Republic of Congo
Canadian NGO : Alternative solutions
Local NGO : Women's Solidarity for Integral Development (SOFEDI)
I am a student in international development and globalization at the University of Ottawa. Over the years, I have developed a keen interest in NGOs (non-governmental organizations) because I have become increasingly motivated by a strong desire to help others and a growing compassion for those most in need. So when I had the opportunity to apply for an international internship with the NGO Alternatives in partnership with SOFEDI, I jumped at the chance. I am currently doing my internship with SOFEDI (Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral). This organization is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the province of South Kivu. Coming from a country neighboring the DRC, I quickly became familiar with my host organization. I am already halfway through my internship and I am so happy to be doing it with SOFEDI. My experience has been very positive so far because I am learning something new every day.
SOFEDI works in the field of sexual and reproductive health. First, it fights against the spread of HIV/AIDS and is also committed to establishing reproductive health, while focusing on promoting family planning and providing access to abortion care for girls and young women in communities. Secondly, SOFEDI also campaigns for the improvement of conditions and rights for women working in mines. In addition, SOFEDI works with young women and girls, particularly those from marginalized groups, such as people living with disabilities, people living with HIV, single mothers, sex workers, indigenous Pygmy peoples, and albinos. Finally, a new project has recently been introduced to support women in relation to climate change.
My tasks consist of reading and summarizing activity reports for publication on the SOFEDI website, as well as writing meeting reports after each meeting. The activity reports are very informative and give me a clear picture of the situation on the ground. For example, the activity report on the discussion session for young girls aimed at combating clandestine abortions allowed me to immerse myself in the awareness campaigns organized by SOFEDI. In addition, I gained a greater understanding of the problem and saw positive results at the end of the session in the number of people who were made aware of the issue. For example, the overall objective of the activity was to help improve the quality of abortion and follow-up services by raising awareness throughout South Kivu, particularly in and around Bukavu. At the end of the activity, the objective was achieved because the participants committed to educating and raising awareness about clandestine abortions and providing safe abortion services. I am very impressed by the projects that have been carried out, but also by the organization's future projects. I am really looking forward to contributing to future projects.
I am extremely proud of the good communication and coordination with my internship colleagues. We are able to coordinate the distribution of our tasks. We always work in a good atmosphere of respect, and there is a spirit of teamwork and mutual support. My only regret is that the internship is remote at the moment due to the pandemic. The experience would have been much better if I had done the internship in the DRC, where I would have been confronted with the reality on the ground and been able to attend the talks and awareness-raising activities organized in the communities in person.
I am having a very enriching experience and, thanks to all the experience I am gaining from my internship with SOFEDI, I am increasingly considering setting up my own organization in my home country in the future with the aim of helping women and especially children.