Empowering Next Generation of Change Makers: Interns Aspire & Inspire

From left to right: Eric, Cynthia, Janice, Shaline, Joseph

The Kenya Works internship program is designed to harness and nurture the next generation of changemakers, empowering young leaders who are passionate about creating meaningful impact.

As our current crew of five interns wrap their term with Kenya Works, they share key takeaways from this field experience.

Tap the "v" to expand each story.

Shaline's Story

Hello, I’m Shaline Namelok Mwatuni, a student at Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology, where I’m pursuing a Diploma in Community Development and Social Work. My journey with Kenya Works, a charity organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable families and children, stems from my deep passion for humanitarian work. Growing up in a community where practices like FGM and early marriages are prevalent, I developed a strong commitment to advocating for young girls’ rights.

Kenya Works' mission to combat poverty and promote human rights deeply resonates with me. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in an awareness walk organized by Kenya Works. This event allowed me to network with other professionals and mentor children on menstrual health and hygiene. We visited Oltepesi Primary School, where we distributed Makini Pads and provided training on their use. The joy and gratitude from the students made a significant impact, highlighting the importance of our work.

On the same day, we conducted a home visit to a student who had reached out to Kenya Works about her struggles with school fees and basic necessities. The visit, which followed up on her situation, revealed her challenging circumstances. I spoke the family's language and was happy that I could help with translation, ensuring effective communication.

My time with Kenya Works has been transformative. It has enhanced my communication skills, taught me the value of networking, and provided insights into case management. However, dealing with clients' difficult situations was initially challenging and emotionally taxing. With counseling and support provided by Kenya Works, I’ve learned to manage these experiences constructively.

One surprising observation was the extreme lengths some people go to for basic needs. For instance, some individuals travel up to 30 km to access a shop, underscoring the significant barriers to obtaining essential items like sanitary towels.

To further expand its impact, Kenya Works could build upon program sustainability within Kenya to support students. Sustainable income sources from programming could expand efforts, even if international donor support fluctuates.

My advice to anyone considering joining Kenya Works is to approach the experience with an open heart and no expectations of return. By embracing the mission of empowering vulnerable children and families, you will undoubtedly make a meaningful difference in the community.

My experience with Kenya Works has not only broadened my perspective on community service but also taught me valuable lessons in case management and networking.

Eric's Story

Hello, I’m Eric, a third-year student at The Cooperative University of Kenya, where I’m pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Community Development. I’m currently interning with Kenya Works in the Social Work department. My decision to join Kenya Works was driven by its mission to enhance lives through education and women’s empowerment—values that align closely with my passion for uplifting individuals and supporting vulnerable communities. I was motivated to join the organization to make a tangible impact in the community and provide assistance to those in need.

The element of Kenya Works' mission that resonates most with me is the focus on empowering vulnerable Kenyans to "overcome poverty." The organization's initiatives, such as sponsoring and mentoring students and empowering women, align with my belief in the transformative power of education as a means of eradicating poverty. I am particularly drawn to Kenya Works' mentorship programs, which reflect my own commitment to guiding students towards academic excellence and emphasizing the crucial role of education in achieving success, regardless of one's background or aspirations.

One significant project I was involved in at Kenya Works was the Menstrual Health and Hygiene Initiative. As part of an awareness walk themed “Together for a Period-Friendly World,” our team educated both girls and boys on menstrual hygiene practices to prevent infections. We demonstrated the use of Makini Pads, distributed these along with panties and boxers to the children, and provided education on maintaining proper hygiene. This initiative not only ensured 100% school attendance by supplying essential period products that last up to 18 months but also helped reduce pollution from disposable pads. Including boys in this initiative was also instrumental in reducing period stigma.

A particularly memorable experience was when Kenya Works received a call from Kiserian Police Station about an abandoned minor girl in urgent need of help. I worked with Kenya Works social workers to conduct a thorough assessment of the child’s needs. We determined that she required a safe and supportive environment, and we initiated the legal process to ensure her protection. After navigating the necessary steps, we successfully placed her in Kenya Works' shelter, Miale Ya Tumaini, where she now receives the care and support she deserves.

One significant challenge during the rescue process was the lack of the child’s documents, which complicated our case follow-up and needs analysis. Despite this, I remained resilient and focused on finding solutions.

My internship at Kenya Works has deepened my understanding of community service and social support. It reinforced my belief that social work involves not only offering emergency assistance but also providing long-term support and working collaboratively with individuals and communities to foster sustainable development.

Throughout my internship, I developed essential skills such as empathy and compassion. These skills are crucial for understanding and relating to others' experiences, fostering strong interpersonal relationships, and providing effective support in social work and community engagement. I am confident that these skills will enhance my ability to promote a supportive work environment and drive impactful, positive change in future roles.

One of the toughest moments I faced was during my second week of internship when I dealt with several emotionally challenging cases. Balancing my emotions while providing effective support was initially difficult. However, I learned to manage my emotional responses and remained focused on delivering the best possible assistance to clients.

I was amazed by the resilience of the clients I assisted, despite their hardships. I was also surprised by the reality of child abandonment and the lack of remorse in some cases.

To enhance its impact, I suggest that Kenya Works expand its media outreach to include YouTube interviews. With many people shifting away from traditional TV and radio, engaging with popular YouTube bloggers could significantly boost the organization’s visibility and influence.

For those considering an internship at Kenya Works, I would advise them to be ready to enrich their skills in a supportive and respectful environment. The staff at Kenya Works are dedicated to guiding and helping interns grow in their careers.

My experience at Kenya Works has given me a comprehensive understanding of social work and community development. I believe that the skills and insights I’ve gained will reinforce my future goals of promoting education, mentoring students, empowering women, and addressing period poverty through education on menstrual health and hygiene.

Having worked with the Maasai community, where girls’ education is undervalued and harmful cultural practices like FGM and early marriage persist, I hope to see positive changes in education and a complete eradication of these harmful practices through continued empowerment efforts.

Janice's Story

Hello, I’m Janice Wanjiku Ngugi, a fourth-year student at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. My passion for supporting children and youth aligns perfectly with Kenya Works’ holistic approach to community empowerment. This alignment motivated me to join Kenya Works, where I could gain valuable experience and skills while contributing to meaningful change.

One of the key projects I participated in was the Menstrual Health and Hygiene Initiative in Machakos County, Ndithini area. This region faces limited access to menstrual products, making this initiative crucial. We distributed reusable sanitary towels to over 30 schools, addressing a significant gap in menstrual hygiene management for school-going girls. In addition to distributing these sustainable products, we conducted educational sessions on menstrual health and hygiene. This project not only provided a practical solution for menstrual management but also enhanced understanding and dignity for the girls in the region.

A memorable case involved Mary (not her real name), who came to the Kenya Works office early one Wednesday morning seeking refuge. Mary lived with her grandmother, siblings, and mother, and had recently had a dispute with her grandmother over her extended school hours. This argument escalated, leading to a family crisis where Mary discovered that her biological father was not who she believed him to be. As tensions grew, Mary felt unloved and unsupported in her education. She requested to be placed in a children’s home to complete her schooling.

Understanding the importance of family relationships, I helped to conduct several follow-ups, including meetings with her mother, home visits and school visits. Our goal was to mediate and reunite the family, allowing them to express their feelings and understand each other better. I’m pleased to report that Mary is now safe and has a more positive outlook on life.

The major challenge in this case was the miscommunication among family members, which made it difficult to resolve their issues. The emotionally charged nature of the case was also draining. To address these challenges, I focused on continuous follow-ups, approached the family with patience, provided a safe space for open dialogue and managed my emotions effectively.

My experience with Kenya Works highlighted for me the real issues faced by many communities. Issues such as FGM, which are still prevalent in some areas, have become more visible to me. Kenya Works’ mission to address these issues has deepened my understanding and commitment to social work.

I have developed valuable skills in report writing, case management, problem-solving, documentation, communication, and computer use. These skills are essential for my career and will enable me to provide better services to my clients in the future.

One of the difficulties encountered was managing a high volume of clients needing assistance, which required prioritizing the most vulnerable cases. I was also surprised by the extent of the community’s challenges, including limited access to local resources and extreme poverty.

To enhance its impact, I suggest Kenya Works utilize its sewing room more effectively. By empowering women with skills like sewing, knitting, and beading, and integrating these skills into high school home science programs, the organization could provide additional support and training.

For future interns and volunteers, my advice is to be self-driven, open-minded, and ready to learn. Kenya Works offers a wealth of learning opportunities that can significantly contribute to personal and professional growth.

The skills and experiences I’ve gained at Kenya Works will enable me to make a more significant impact in my future career. My goals are now better aligned, and I am committed to providing exceptional services to those I serve. I hope that the children and youth empowered through Kenya Works will develop a positive outlook on life, lead fulfilling lives, and achieve success as adults.

Cynthia's Story

Hello, I’m Cynthia Juma from Kisii University, where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with a focus on Literature. My passion for seeing people happy and making a positive difference in their lives led me to join Kenya Works. The joy of helping others and putting smiles on their faces is what motivates me the most.

I am deeply aligned with Kenya Works’ mission to support vulnerable communities, particularly through providing sponsorships to students who cannot afford to stay in school. Many students drop out due to financial constraints, but Kenya Works is dedicated to ensuring they receive an education and have the opportunity to achieve their goals.

I participated in Kenya Works’ feeding program at Miale Ya Tumaini, where I assisted with various tasks such as cooking, serving breakfast, and delivering meals to students in school. This program plays a crucial role in providing nourishment to students and the community. Additionally, we read storybooks to the children and engaged with them, which brought immense joy to the kids and reinforced the positive impact of our work.

A particularly impactful experience involved Juliet (not her real name), a young woman in her early 20s who cares for her two younger siblings as orphans. She attended a women’s empowerment meeting but was struggling to secure funds to start a business, which caused her significant distress. I wrote a letter on her behalf to the relevant authorities, and fortunately, she was granted the funds she needed. Juliet is now able to support her siblings and improve their quality of life.

The primary challenge in this case was dealing with Juliet's emotional trauma and distress. The struggles she faced were overwhelming, and it was emotionally taxing to support her. To manage these challenges, I focused on empathetic case management and sought to provide emotional support while maintaining my own mental health.

My experience with Kenya Works has broadened my perspective on community service and social impact. I was shocked to see the extent of hardship faced by some communities, including severe poverty and inadequate housing. Many people go days without a meal and live in extremely poor conditions.

I’ve developed valuable skills in case management and problem-solving during my attachment. I learned to approach problems from multiple angles and find effective solutions. Although I initially struggled with sympathizing too much with clients, which affected my mental health, I trained myself to handle cases with empathy while maintaining professional boundaries.

One surprising discovery was that some people in the communities we helped would walk over 30 kilometers just to reach a market, school, or church, often navigating unmarked paths. This highlighted the extreme isolation and lack of infrastructure that some people endure.

I believe expanding the women empowerment fund provided by Kenya Works to reach more women in need would be powerful. This expansion could offer greater financial independence to more women who lack means of livelihood.

For future interns, I highly recommend undertaking your internship with Kenya Works. The experience is a valuable learning journey that imparts essential life skills and insights into community service.

My time at Kenya Works has clarified my career path, particularly regarding my future studies. I now have a clearer direction for pursuing my master’s degree and am more confident in my chosen field.