Javiera Zamora Iturra participated in the Intern Abroad Experience during the summer '23 term. Read more about Javi's journey and the impact that she made while working with United Way in Accra, Ghana.
Favorite Moments From the Experience:
- The people who I worked with during my internship at the United Way Ghana organization. They were really friendly, and we made a deep human connection. Being a part of the team to support anti-child trafficking was incredibly meaningful.
- When I visited Senya Beraku and the survivors of human trafficking during a capacitation of entrepreneurship for the young men and women.
- Going to the 3 schools that the United Way supported and having the opportunity to work with the community. Visits to the classrooms and the connect made with the children was amazing and an unforgettable experience.
What Is Something I Want To Remember About This Experience?
Photo of Javi (4th from left) smiling with the United Way Ghana team after her research presentation.
My first week in Accra, Ghana, working with United Way Ghana on the anti-child trafficking project has been a remarkable journey. I want to remember the vibrant culture I've been exposed to and the incredible opportunity to learn from a context so different from my own. Working closely with a small, dedicated team has been both challenging and rewarding, providing a sense of unity and purpose. The highlight was our field trip to Kwamoso, I saw a different social structure: the community is centered around a male-led monarchy, with the king and his all-male advisors highlighting a traditional leadership model. This contrasted with the women’s vital role in sustaining the community through crafts, bakery, and education. Their resilience and creativity, vital for the community's survival, were truly inspiring. The austere lifestyle of the community, marked by rituals and a distinct way of dressing, offered a fresh perspective on governance. This entire experience has deepened my understanding of the crucial role of cultural sensitivity in social impact work.
How Has This Experience Impacted My Worldview?
Visiting the child survivors of child trafficking at a school in Senya Beraku, Ghana. The students in the photo pose with their new school uniforms and materials, provided by United Way Ghana.
This experience has profoundly changed my worldview, especially in how I view education's role in relation to social issues like politics, access, and peace/conflict. Working on the Anti-Child Trafficking project with United Way Ghana, I developed a deep understanding of these complex issues. Being immersed in environments affected by child trafficking and engaging in education-focused initiatives underscored the challenges in these areas. This journey deepened my appreciation for education as a tool to combat social problems and highlighted the need for accessible, relevant educational strategies. It also awakened my passion for social impact work, particularly in protecting vulnerable children and enhancing basic education. The skills I improved in problem-solving and strategic planning during my internship provided practical insights into implementing social programs and significantly shaped my career path towards social impact work.
Ghana: Intern Abroad in International Education
Learn more about this study abroad experience including expected program dates, eligibility, and how to apply.
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