Art in Tanzania internship program
There is a lot I can say about Pratiksha. She is beautiful, intelligent and very loving. When I met her, I instantly recognised her sweet and gentle soul and you cannot help but feel warm when you are around her. She allowed me to interview her on her experiences here in Tanzania. So, this is the conversation that ensued.
This interview took place on 27th June 2016.
Dolly: What is your name?
Pratiksha: My name is Pratiksha Singh
D: Where are you from?
P: I am from Nepal, but I am studying in the United States.
D: How long have you been here?
P: Almost a month.
D: How much longer are you staying?
P: One more month. I’m here for two months
D: What project are you handling?
P: Right now, I am a marketing intern. So, I’m mainly working on securing funds and grant writing. Additionally, some interns and volunteers, along with a few other girls and Me, have started the Women’s Initiative Program. So, I’ve been busy with that, and it’s going pretty well. So, I’m very excited about that one. We’re just helping them start their business and providing them with ideas, such as entrepreneurial skills and guidance.
D: What made you decide to come to Tanzania?
P: Well, I’ve been very interested in non-profits since the very beginning. When a marketing internship opening became available, I applied, and fortunately, I was selected. It’s really good to see the work that we’re doing directly impact the locals. So, that’s something that I’m enjoying. I’m also learning about African culture, especially in Tanzania, as there is a rich history here. It’s amazing. I’m loving it.
D: Have you done something like this before?
P: No, no, I haven’t. I hope I can do more. Come back or, you know, travel more, but no, I haven’t. I wish I had. I’m loving it.
D: Do you feel like you’re more exposed since coming here? Do you feel like you’re more exposed to the world?
P: Oh yeah! Definitely. It’s very different; things you take for granted start to become real. You know, like little things –like showers and toilets – how to manage yourself, and getting to know the culture exposes you to new things and shows that the way you’ve been living is entirely different.
D: How have you found living in the volunteer house?
P: It’s fantastic, especially living with so many different people from all over the world. Some interns and volunteers come from Europe, Asia, and all over the world. So, it’s fantastic because I’m not only learning about African culture and how the locals live but also about the work lifestyle of other countries and different cultures. It’s amazing. Like, you’re from Nigeria (referring to me), but you study in the UK like, it’s pretty amazing because everyone is from all over so there are not boundaries.
D: How are you finding the whole experience?
P: Seeing the impact and how our work influences locals is fantastic. It’s incredible, especially with the women’s program. It’s inspiring to see how hard they work for their families and kids. Overall, it’s been a fantastic experience, and I think these two months are ending too quickly.
D: How have things been in terms of organisation?
P: Organisational-wise, I think that there is a lot of work to be done. That is what we are all here for. In terms of organisation, I think that’s something we all need to work on, like documenting what we’re doing. That’s very important for all the projects we’re working on.
D: Would you recommend this to anyone?
P: Oh yeah! Definitely. It’s a life-changing experience. I have made amazing friends in a short period of time. Yes, if you get a chance, I’ll encourage you to come, as you’ll learn a lot about yourself too. Being by yourself and with new people allows you to discover more about yourself, experience a new culture, and contribute to the community. Definitely! 100%!
