International Blog

The circumstances of my internship have not changed much over the last few weeks in terms of my growing relationship with my host NGO and my Canadian partner NGO. However, my communication with my host NGO as well as my knowledge regarding armed violence and landmine clearance has grown greatly over the past few weeks. I have been able to build on my knowledge week to week, keeping myself up to date on events that occurred in previous weeks.

Working remotely in Canada and not being in South Sudan has often made me feel as though I am unable to fully understand the advocacy my host NGO does, however working at a distance has also come with some advantages. I do Weekly Media Monitoring Reports for my host NGO, gathering news regarding the political, social, and economic state in South Sudan as well as incidences of violence, allowing me on a weekly basis to update myself on events that occurred the week before. I only involve the news headlines I find crucial for my host NGO to be aware of in these reports, however I also read all the other news headlines for each day of the week from my home or from my phone throughout the day. This has allowed me to make myself as informed as possible regarding the state of South Sudan, even if that means reading an article regarding an influential individuals failure to visit the state. I am also able to continue with my daily life while completing such tasks for my host NGO

 I also met with my supervisor at my host NGO and was able to learn more in depth about the driving force behind their advocacy and how it is done. I was previously aware that their main goal is to advocate against armed violence, but I did not know all the angles at which they approach the issue. I learned that one of their main focuses is civilian disarmament, addressing where the guns are supplied from as well as why civilians have a demand for these weapons, what motivates civilians to acquire firearms to begin with and in what context they are used. Often these weapons are obtained by citizens because they feel unsafe in their own homes, in their own communities, or they want to get justice against those who have perpetrated crimes and armed violence against them. Addressing the supply of these weapons is also crucial to the SSANSA, figuring out where they are imported from and which borders they must cross to get into South Sudan.

I have been getting more assignments from my host NGO, tasks which are often research based, gathering information on a specific topic given to me by my supervisor then summarizing the key points from numerous sources of information into a short report. For my Canadian partner NGO, the tasks are also research based but are often centered around advocacy for a certain piece of legislation and why it is crucial to the issue of landmine clearance. On the day to day my workload has increased, as I have more communication now with my host NGO, I get more assignments which I try to do over the span of the week, working through them each day.

The main lesson I have learned in the last few weeks has been regarding the multifaceted nature of armed violence, the numerous issues one must address in order to make a difference.I have already learned a great deal from my internship, meeting one of my main goals when I started this internship which was to learn more regarding the issues of armed violence and landmine clearance. I look forward to continuing my internship and gaining even more knowledge regarding such issues.

Throughout this internship I have already had to opportunity to acquire a great deal of knowledge regarding the fight against armed violence and efforts towards landmine clearance. Being able to intern with not only my host/international NGO, the South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms, but also my Canadian partner NGO, Mines Action Canada, has been an eye-opening experience. Along with my other peers I am unable to travel to my host country of South Sudan due to COVID-19, however it has been just as engaging, as I have been able to attend certain talks, including Senate Foreign Affairs Committee meetings. However, I do feel as though if I had travelled to my host country, I would be more integrated with the daily affairs of the NGO.

The South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms advocates against armed violence through a series of campaigns. The day to day for me includes monitoring news websites looking for daily updates regarding politics, security, the economy, taking note of the state of society in which my host organization is trying to advocate. This gives me the ability to learn more about the current affairs in South Sudan, as well as keep my host organization informed of any events which may impact their ability to effectively advocate.

As stated on their website, my Canadian partner NGO, Mines Action Canada works to eliminate the serious humanitarian, developmental and environmental consequences of indiscriminate weapons. It is a leading humanitarian disarmament organization attempting to prevent suffering by restricting weapons which can pose risk both during and after conflict. They work to end suffering caused by weapons such as landmines, explosive weapons, and cluster munitions. I have attended senate meetings as well as a couple of conferences held regarding armed violence and landmine clearance, information which can aid my host NGO, the SSANSA, as well. I have meetings every couple of weeks with my supervisor and fellow colleague at Mines Actions Canada which allows me to express concerns, ask questions, and speak of future assignments for when I do not have much work to get done for my host NGO. I feel as though I have support within the organization as when I have questions or concerns, they are immediately acknowledged.

Working with both NGO’s has allowed me to new insights into the fight against armed violence, not only the damage done to civilian populations during conflict, but also the dangerous aftermath in terms of unexploded ordnance.

I have learned from my experience so far that there is always more than one can do if they are motivated to do so, like doing more research, attending informational sessions. In this internship I believe one can learn as much as they like regarding the advocacy their NGO’s do. My supervisor at Mines Action Canada for example sends me articles and meetings I can attend to learn more about landmine clearance, and I can do further research beyond that to get some background information.

So far, I have found this internship eye-opening and enlightening, and I look forward to the rest of my internship.

Daesha, Criminology, Mines Action Canada, South Sudan, South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (SSANSA)

In 2020, the world stopped. A global pandemic took over all our lives. For the past two and a half years, we have had to make adjustments in order to conform to the new health and safety guidelines in order to keep everyone safe.  When it comes to the international internship offered at Ottawa this meant transferring the program to virtual platforms. Due to virtual learning and all my internship being behind a screen I have noticed a change in my motivation and mental health. The most important thing I have learned throughout the past five weeks is understanding when I need to put myself first. Now you may be wondering, what does putting yourself first mean to you? I'm not suggesting that I forget my responsibilities and take a short vacation. However, what this does mean is knowing my limits. If I know that I am being overworked and spreading myself too thin, I know that it is okay to take a break. This usually consists of me taking a day off the computer and participating in the activities that make me happy.  This includes working out, spending time with my family, and cooking. There have been some instances throughout the internship where I've had to do this. For those that make themselves feel guilty of this time, I would like to remind you that you owe these moments to yourself. You are doing amazing!

WORK - LIFE BALANCE

Not only am I a full-time intern and student, I also have four other jobs that I commit to every week. This may seem overwhelming; I have developed a system that keeps me grounded.

• Keep a planner - This ensures I am keeping up with due dates and work schedules.
• Time Allocation - When I know it's going to be a busy week. I give myself a timed scheduled for each task to keep up with my work
• Eat Well and Stay Active - I understand that I need to take care of my body in order to be as busy as I am. Therefore, I try to eat clean and workout three times a week
• Knowing What You Can Handle - Prioritize what is most important and don't take on anything extra that doesn't fulfill your happiness or career
• One Thing You Love - Do one thing a day that makes you feel your best!

Having work life balance does not mean you have it all figured out. However, helpful tips that bring an equilibrium between both sides, will help your overall health.

WEEK 5 REFLECTION

Due to connection issues with my supervisor, I started my internship later than everyone else. Below I have attached a list of my highlights and accomplishments thus. I hope this becomes longer in the weeks ahead!

• Exploring the South Sudan profiles on the Landmine Monitor, Nuclear Ban Monitor, and Explosive Weapons Monitor
• Reviewing the Lethal Autonomous Weapons course for Erin Hunt. This is orchestrated by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs. Throughout the course, I learned what is classified as an autonomous weapon/identifying their risk, the role of the UNODA when addressing these issues, and international efforts that look to regulate the development of lethal autonomous weapons
• Completed the Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Demining courses (GCHD). I am now more knowledgeable on explosive ordnance risk, and understanding gender diversity in Mine Action
• Attended the ATT Working Group Meetings that will discuss Articles 6,7,9, and 11 of the Arms trade Treaty
• Created social media content for SSANSA and their stakeholder dialogues about community safety

TIPS FOR FUTURE INTERNS ...

• Do not be afraid to ask questions to all your supervisors. It is ok to feel lost and not understand what is being asked of you. Take advantage of the resources you have so that you can get the clarification you need to be successful
• Complete all the assigned courses and readings, or you will be behind
• Do not panic! Sometimes the assignments can be content heavy, but do not overwhelm yourself. Organize your time so that you can complete the task at a good pace
• Take time for yourself. Sitting in front of a screen all day has been a major challenge for me. This is not what I expected my university experience to be like. I make sure to take one day of the week to step away from the screen

Gillian, Conflict Studies and Human Rights, Mines Action Canada, Uganda Landmine Survivors Association, South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms

For my first six weeks of the internship, I worked for Mines Action Canada due to unforeseen circumstances that prevented me from working with my host organization. Since I have been living in Canada all my life, and consume Canadian media, learning about Canada was not part of my internship for these 6 weeks.

However, for the past three weeks, I have been working for South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (SSANSA). One of my main jobs is to monitor the media and provide summaries for relevant articles to SSANSA. This has been very eye-opening for me, as I am keeping up to date on the current news in South Sudan and pulling relevant information to be summarized in a professional manner. I would have never kept up with South Sudanese news without this internship, so it is a good opportunity to really learn and understand the hardships and triumphs of another country.

Furthermore, it has allowed me to have a deeper understanding of how important SSANSA’s work and vision is. Reading about the issues that SSANSA works on, such as civilian disarmament, almost every day in the news shows me how much SSANSA is needed. Learning more about your host country will lead you to a higher appreciation for the important work your organization does.

Moudan, Criminology, Alternatives, Sudan, Al Alag, Research Officer

It would be an understatement to say that this first month has just flown by. This single month has been jammed packed with new experiences for me. In just over four weeks, I have been privy to important and impactful meetings that not only allowed me to learn about the importance of change through action, but also that social justice and fighting for the rights of people does not and cannot take a break – even during a pandemic.

Prior to my internship with Al Alag, I had zero experience with working in a COVID setting. Much of my experience has come from working with people on a face-to-face and it was difficult at first, to not only learn a new set of skills, but to also improve my own. Furthermore, the added benefit of seeing my research and analytical skills being put to good use in aiding the plight against workplace harassment for Sudanese women has opened my eyes to the fact that we have the power to create meaningful change – even if virtually.

Thank you to Al Alag for allowing me this opportunity and for allowing me to put my knowledge and skills to good use in fighting for a noteworthy cause. I am looking forward to what these next four weeks hold!

Victoria, ANT, Forum of Federations Sudan & Ethiopia

Hello everyone, I am Victoria and I am a fourth-year Anthropology with a minor in civil law student at the University of Ottawa. I am super excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the Forum of Federations as an Intern for the Director of Africa this summer.

It has been quite an enriching experience of which I believe is a continuous path on which I am embarking! Most interesting, I am an adventurous person, so I love travelling, meeting new people, hiking, skiing and the list goes on! So even though I am unable to meet my colleagues in Sudan/Ethiopia, I can still say the international experience is still alive and well at the Forum. Furthermore, I was featured on the Forum‘s social media for being one of the first interns, which is super cool!

One of the task have been assigned was creating online group platforms like closed Facebook groups etc. to create a multi-service platform for leaders on governance and peace. So there was training videos, chats, issue subgroups like fiscal versus constitutions, IGR, reference materials, etc., Weekly new training modules, coaching sessions, on governance, leadership etc.

Also, another cool activity I will be doing next week is attending a private event webinar series that will examine the issue of intergovernmental cooperation in multilevel systems by international experts from around the world. My responsibility here would be to write a publish worthy report on the main discussed topics of the event. Lastly, but not the least, I am writing a blog post on Federalism as a peace building tool, so stay posted! I would like to add that at the beginning of my internship the pace was quite slow and I was just doing weekly new briefs of Somalia and Sudan, but now it’s a complete 180 because I have so much to do with only a couple weeks left of internship. I wish I could stay longer to be honest because my experience this far at the Forum of Federations is a dream come true for me!

Mariam, Conflict Studies and Human Rights, Alternatives, Sudan, Al-Alaag, Research Officer

Over the past three months, I have had the opportunity to participate in a joint project between Al-Alaag, Sudan and Alternatives, Canada as a Research Officer On Violence Against Women.

As a fourth year student, this position allowed me to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that I have acquired throughout my degree in Conflict Studies and Human Rights. The international internship has advanced my professional experience and my understanding of what human rights work entails, as I am immersed in the challenges faced by NGOs that are actively working on a grass-roots level. One of my biggest accomplishments in my internship was presenting a Data Analysis and SPSS Software Seminar for some students in Sudan; this was an immense help in developing my public speaking and mentoring skills. The tasks that I have been assigned throughout my internship were both tailored to my level of knowledge and challenged me in a way that truly prepares me for the work that I will be doing in the future.

Considering that this international internship involves several actors who are collaborating on the same project while operating thousands of miles apart, the COVID-19 pandemic has definitely had an impact on important processes. Some issues with communication and internet accessibility were present, as well adjustments had to be made at Al-Alaag in Sudan, with regard to those working remotely and those at the office. Yet these challenges continuously motivated me to take initiative, as well, they helped me discover and enhance my capabilities in a professional human rights work environment. Members at Al-Alaag and Alternatives jointly and efficiently dealt with the consequences of COVID-19, and inevitable technical issues and I am very grateful to have been part of navigating such processes.

Prior to starting my international internship, I was experiencing high levels of stress as I overthinking on the quality and quantity of work that I can produce for the NGOs that I was going to be working with. As I progressed through my internship, I realized that this was definitely not the most appropriate mindset to start with and that I was being harder on myself than anyone else was. The training that we were provided by uOttawa professors was very beneficial, in that it was appropriately tailored to prepare us for the upcoming positions that we were going to occupy. My internship experience not only allowed me to see the ways in which NGOs deal with everyday dilemmas, such as COVID, but also gave me a chance to actively engage in formulating solutions for these issues.

Overall, I would say that this internship experience has surely changed my perspective of, and approach to participating in the professional work environment. Working with Al-Alaag and Alternatives on a project that is solely aimed at liberating Sudanese women is an opportunity that I will forever cherish. This special internship experience has exposed me to real life situations that required me to use my problem solving skills and creativity to produce appropriate work, engage with diverse group members to navigate issues and reach project objectives.

Mariam, International Development and Globalization, Alternatives, Al-Alaag, Sudan, Research Officer

For the past two months, I have been interning with Al-Alaag Sudan whom I was partnered with through Alternatives Canada. In this remote internship, I have had the opportunity to meet different actors and to collaborate with them on their ongoing projects.

Currently Al-Alaag and Alternatives are working hand-in-hand on a project that aims to examine and understand the hardships encountered by women journalists in Sudan. Additionally, the organizations are creating tools and resources for these women journalists that aim to empower them and enhance their knowledge and skills. I am very grateful to be a part of this transformational project that embraces international cooperation for the purpose of liberating women. Despite the language barrier and great distance between Alternatives and Al-Alaag, the relationship among the actors from both countries is inviting and friendly, which contributes to its success as a diverse work environment.

My role as a Research Officer has been focused on collaborating with a couple of partners from Al-Alaag in producing a literature review that trains students in Sudan on data analysis. This helped me expand my knowledge on the harmful social, economic and systematic structures as I learned from the personal experiences of these women. I also got the opportunity to meet and train some of the students virtually, which encouraged me to practice and improve my public speaking skills.

Overall, I recommend this program to students who are looking for opportunities to expand their knowledge and experience in their field of studies. The tasks I was assigned from both Al-Alaag and Alternatives aided my personal development in various ways. In an educational sense, it has boosted my familiarity with software data analysis, and professionally and it has helped me connect with experts from my field of studies.