Shami, Honours BSocSc International Economics and Development, 3rd year
Internship country: Senegal
Canadian NGO: CECI
Local NGO: APROFES (Association for the Advancement of Senegalese Women)
As this internship has progressed and now comes to an end, I have come to realize how quickly time passes and how much can be learned within such a short period. I know that I have gained a great deal of knowledge from this experience, a kind of knowledge that comes from being immersed in a situation and that feels like simply knowing. It is not something that can be easily traced back to a text or theory. Rather, it develops through experience, through making decisions, observing their outcomes, and gradually forming an intuitive understanding. I am left with a strong sense that I have learned a lot, even if it would take time to fully articulate it.
In my previous blog, I anticipated exploring the idea of what it means to contribute to a community in different contexts. Over the course of this internship, I have had several experiences that have allowed me to reflect more deeply on this question.
Through my time with APROFES, I attended general assemblies, observed the creation of a new savings group, and participated in meetings on community health insurance. These moments gave me insight into how the organization operates within its environment. By following conversations, sometimes with my limited Wolof, I began to understand how much of the work relies on relationships, trust, and shared understanding rather than formal structures alone. I also worked on developing a database of products sold by women in the network. This process revealed patterns in production and pointed to opportunities for strengthening internal value chains, an idea I had previously encountered in my coursework but was now seen in practice. Alongside this, I lead a workshop on local commercialization strategies, such as using WhatsApp for sales, while considering the logistical realities that shape these possibilities.
One moment that stayed with me was a visit to a farm in Paoskoto, a region with a rather Sahelian landscape. As we walked into the farm plot, it felt like stepping into an oasis. The space was unexpectedly green and refreshing, almost as if the temperature had shifted. There were papaya and mango trees, as well as mint, lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, and other crops. The site also included an irrigation system and fish farming activities. What made it even more striking was that it was largely run by women. I sat down with some of them to better understand how they organized their work and the history of the project. Their participatory approach was clearly central to its success. Seeing a grassroots initiative like this was deeply moving, especially because of its empowering effects. The women were not only improving their economic situation but also developing a stronger awareness of their own capacities and possibilities.
Across all these experiences, what stood out to me was that help does not take a single form. From my position as an international intern, it often meant listening, observing, and contributing in ways that align with the community’s own structures and priorities. Within the community itself, I observed that help and contribution are almost expected, whether in savings groups, farming groups, or processing projects. I came to admire how these communities of women work collectively to build initiatives that benefit both themselves and their wider environment. The success of women’s groups in Senegal, as well as that of APROFES, appears to be deeply rooted in this strong sense of community and mutual support.
Beyond my role within the organization, I also reflected on how I could contribute more broadly to my environment in Kaolack. During my stay, I was introduced to an orphanage, and, as I have always enjoyed working with children, I chose to volunteer there regularly. This experience led me to think more carefully about my position as a Canadian abroad and the forms of contribution available to me. I realized that contributing to a community is not limited to one’s formal role, studies, or professional responsibilities. It can take many forms and often reflects who we are as individuals. My time at the orphanage was particularly meaningful. Through conversations with the director and caregivers, I was able to learn from them while also offering my time and presence. These exchanges contributed not only to my understanding of the local context but also to my own personal growth.
This experience has also shaped how I think about my future studies and career. I am increasingly interested in understanding how to build efforts that already exist within communities rather than introducing entirely new structures. What I observed in Senegal is that there is often a strong foundation already in place. This has led me to reflect on the role that NGOs, international cooperation, and governments can play in strengthening and supporting these initiatives in ways that remain aligned with local realities.
Overall, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to complete this internship abroad. It has allowed me to connect my academic learning with lived experience, while also encouraging me to reflect on my role in different communities. Beyond gaining knowledge in my field of study, I have developed a deeper understanding of myself and of the many ways in which people contribute to the spaces they are part of.