Étienne, Master's degree in globalization and international development
Forum of Federations Morocco,
Women's empowerment for leadership roles project,
MENA region.
The start of my internship with Forum des Fédération couldn't have gone better. Firstly, the team is very energetic, committed and concerned about the learning I'm getting. I arrived in Rabat on a Monday and they were waiting for me at the station, Moroccan hospitality already making itself felt.
The “Empowering Women for Leadership Roles in the MENA Region” project is one that demands a lot of hard work and effort from the regional team in Morocco. For the first time in my young professional career, I really feel that the team I'm working with needs my input. This job tests all the lessons I learned during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies. I have to write scoping notes where synthesis and conciseness are the order of the day, I take part in highly interactive discussions where my opinion and questions are taken into consideration, I work on projects where their completion is essential to the progress of the work. In this way, the distinction between trainee and employee is barely felt.
During my first week on the job, I had to dive right into the thick of things. The whole team was preparing for the steering committee, a large management meeting bringing together all the partners in the development project. During the meeting, and only after 7 days with the team, I was given the task of drawing up the minutes of the entire meeting. This task is essential, as it records the recommendations made by all stakeholders in relation to the 2018-2019 annual action plan. At the end of the meeting, the representative from Global Affairs Canada, Mr. Patrick Lemieux, even asked me to read these recommendations. I couldn't have asked for more professional experience in the field of international development!
After this first experience, I couldn't help but consider how lucky I am to be in this working environment, where I feel my expertise is valued. Work aside, Rabat and Morocco have been very good to me so far. I soon made a friend on the train from the airport to Rabat. Seeing that I was a foreigner in transit, Safae, a Moroccan woman from Meknes, offered to help me find my way around the city, introduce me to her friends and take part in weekend activities so that I wouldn't end up alone. What kindness! This encounter allowed me to visit places where very few tourists have the chance to go. I went surfing in a group, was introduced to several people my own age and was able to observe how these young adults lived. This unique cultural experience was very enriching.
My last comment concerns my apartment. It's easy to underestimate the importance of the place where we sleep, since we spend the majority of our time away from it. However, in my case, as an expatriate in an unfamiliar environment, I have to thank Forum des Fédérations for the efforts they have made to make me feel at home. My apartment is perfect for me, in a secure location and within walking distance of my work. I couldn't ask for anything better. When I come home after a long day's work, I can rest calmly, enjoy the comfort and cleanliness of this accommodation and feel “at home”. Without the efforts of the Forum of Federations, I couldn't have had this quality of life. Thank you!