My name is Yashvi Shah and I’m a third year student in Management Co-op. I’m extremely excited to be travelling to Malawi this summer to work with Uniterra’s local partner Ungweru. Ungweru is a Mzuzu-based non-profit organization that works with disadvantaged communities in Mzuzu peri-urban areas and Mzimba district on issues related to food security, child protection, education, HIV/AIDS management, water and healthcare, and resource management.
As a Market Research Officer, I’ll be tasked with providing strategic and practical advice to optimize the organization’s operational and visibility impact through conducting research and analysis regarding potential expansions in Malawi. I will also be assisting with the implementation and improvement of their day-to-day activities, including programs such as the Lusekelo School of Computing.
One of the most enticing aspects of this internship is that it is vastly different from all of my previous work experiences. As someone that’s driven by challenges, I hope to utilize the skills I’ve picked up from my previous co-ops to add tangible value to this organization’s initiatives, while simultaneously learning new things that only an internship of this nature would be able to teach.
More than anything else, I’m looking forward to acquainting myself with a culture I know little about in a country that I’ve never set foot on located on a continent that I’ve only previously flown over. I’d be lying if I said I’m not slightly afraid of the challenges that this venture will present, but what I’m more afraid of is the fact that all of my future endeavours will appear dull and unfulfilling in comparison to the eye-opening insight provided by this one.
Feel free to connect with me via Facebook or Linkedin to learn more about my experiences!