MY INTERNSHIP JOURNEY AT AFRICA HARVEST
By Deedy Ngugi
I started my internship at Africa Harvest on September 11, 2023. I was very eager to find out what was awaiting me. Right from the first day, I was warmly received by the Communications Team, which immediately broke the ice for me. I was not seen as “just an intern,” but rather someone whose presence was extremely valuable.
By the time I joined the organization, Africa Harvest had launched a new website, and the communications team was in the process of learning how to manage and format content for the platform. It was very encouraging to be a part of this process. I learned to work on WordPress, format the website’s pages, and add and publish stories of impact on their website. I became more confident in handling online platforms step by step. I also supported the online integration of MailChimp to strengthen the organization’s digital communication with its audience.
I found that every task I undertook, no matter how small, was meaningful, as I could clearly see its impact. Working with the communications team gave me exposure beyond the technical skills I garnered. I had the opportunity to interview farmers and listen to their stories. These were the people whose lives had been positively transformed through the DTCs 4 Youth Job Creation Project. Hearing these experiences firsthand reinforced for me why communication matters and how powerful storytelling can be. Along the way, I also developed skills in writing professional emails and communicating more effectively in a workplace setting.
One of my most memorable experiences was when I was asked by my Supervisor, the Communications Manager to write an article to be published during the International Youth Day. This was my very first experience writing at this level and I wanted to do a good job. After the first attempt, I was guided and asked to give it another try. I then wrote the second draft. With help, I wrote the third draft which went to print.
August 14, 2024 marked a significant milestone for me, as it was the first time being published, and by a local media outlet, The Standard Newspaper. I am glad I was challenged to write the article. It was a learning curve for me and I hope to nurture and further develop my writing skills. Seeing my work published in the newspaper for the first time filled me with gratitude and a deep sense of honour. The experience highlighted the personal growth I had undergone and affirmed the confidence the Africa Harvest team had placed in me.
Beyond writing, I have leveraged creative tools such as MailChimp for newsletters, Adobe Photoshop for designing posters and Wondershare Filmora for video production. Through this experience, I got to explore new software, discover the extent of my creative abilities, and enhance my skills in conveying messages across multiple formats.
It has been over a year since I interned with Africa Harvest. The experience was not just another internship opportunity. It has been a pathway for growth. I feel extremely fortunate to have been associated with such an organization, where people actually invested time in teaching, leading, and even correcting me. The role played by my supervisor, Yvonne and her colleagues, such as Glory, the Human Resource Officer and Rose, the Multimedia Officer has played an essential part in determining my experience. And this is because they created an enabling environment where learning was safe.
Africa Harvest has not only imparted in me skills, but confidence as well. I take away with me from this experience the lessons I have gained with appreciation for what I now possess. I am encouraged by the kindness shown by all the people I met at Africa Harvest.
