Camfed USA
Stephanie Rademeyer, 2011
I performed well during my internship. I regularly consulted with my superiors to make sure that they were satisfied with the work I was producing, and I always received very positive feedback. I was at work on time, and left after a few of my co-workers had gone, but was never the last to leave, which I believe was proof that I was hard-working, but that I had other interests as well. I like to think I was always polite and respectful, but I was also approachable and friendly. I was delighted when my boss took me aside and asked for my opinion on how things could be improved, and then implemented my ideas! She regularly sent me thank you notes, so I hope I helped Camfed as much as I could.
I learned that if I believe in what I’m working towards, and enjoy my co-workers’ company (which was, indeed, the case), then I look forward to going to work and doing my very best for the organization. I learned that NPOs (if Camfed is a good example) are laid-back, overwhelmingly friendly, and enjoyable places to work in. Everyone in my office took me out for breakfast or lunch at least once, and I learned personal details about all of them after a few days working there. Becoming a team and maintaining a positive atmosphere seems to be the most important goal in the Camfed USA office. The work itself was at times very tedious, but I think that has more to do with my dislike towards staring at a computer all day than anything Kimberley made me do. Moreover, reading about what Camfed was doing, and how it was helping SO many girls, motivated me to be as productive as possible.
I learned that I need creative work. I loved designing the brochure, and I loved coming up with questions for the documentary. Anything that involved thinking outside of the box made me excited and I was extremely happy at my desk whenever I was given small, inventive jobs.
The work was not particularly intellectually stimulating, which was a shame, and I’m not sure if my superiors’ work was any better. There seems to be few challenges to overcome, at least in communications and fundraising. Camfed focuses mainly on getting the word out that the organization exists, as it is so new. Although that is a crucial and noble job to do, I’m not sure if I could dedicate my life to working in an office, trying to convince people to donate to my organization. If I were to work for Camfed, I would prefer being in the International office, as they are involved in revamping the organization, and improving its structure, which would seem more interesting.
And, of course, I learned a lot about Camfed, the importance of female education, the shockingly low percentages of female education, and why they still exist, and the political and economic conditions for women in Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. I learned a lot about prostitution, HIV/AIDS, and orphans in Africa, and what pushes people to turn to dangerous jobs and lifestyles. I learned about the hygiene inconveniences about being a woman in school in Africa, the lack of role models, teachers’ sexism, the dangers one has to face when walking to school, the problems behind not having access to adequate shoes and uniforms… Camfed opened my eyes to effective development, and how organizations should be run to help as many locals as possible. The office consisted of four people, which is an indicator of how much Camfed believes in hiring locals on the ground, instead of Westerners. I truly believe that Camfed is the best NPO right now in existence, as they continue to produce outstanding results. This knowledge has helped me understand what problems the continent faces today, how to solve many of them, and how a Westerner can dramatically improve people’s lives. Camfed has given me hope that there is a positive future for Africans, as the CAMA members (the older generations who have already benefitted from Camfed’s financial aid) prove daily by becoming politicians, journalists, bankers, lawyers, and teachers, and funding the education of many other poverty-stricken girls.
I enjoyed my experience tremendously. Living in San Francisco was a dream, and working alongside such young, motivated, caring, interesting and interested individuals was wonderful. I was staying with a psychologist, who often spoke to me about her work, and invited her lawyer friends over, who also tried to persuade me to join their office. Thus living alongside three very different groups of professionals opened my eyes to the different lifestyles and everyday jobs that are potential career choices in my future. I took into account different stress levels (it would seem that NPO workers are definitely the most relaxed, followed by psychologists…) Moreover, working at Camfed gave me a good taste of what it would be like to work in an office every day, which will motivate me, I’m sure, to explore jobs in the future that do not involve sitting for extended periods of time. I learned so much, so thank you for offering such an experience!
Contact the Career Services Office for more information on this internship!