I’d had it in my head since first visiting Africa in 2007 that I wanted to make it back before too long.  I had no idea that I’d be able to be back in Cape Town just three years later.  I had a lot of expectations for my trip.  I wanted to feel connected to the city.  I wanted to meet people from all over.  I wanted to feel like the work I was doing was worthwhile.  Most importantly, I wanted to feel like I was challenging myself and also “making a difference.” Having arrived safely back in the States, I can say that I did all of these things.

My internship was organized by Mel and I began June 3rd working at a Secretariat representing those with disabilities.  I struggled somewhat with selecting an internship, as most of the volunteer work I’ve done in the past has been charity-oriented.  As much as I love the hands-on, one-on-one contact with the disadvantaged, I wanted this summer to be a more development-oriented experience.  I worked with two other interns on a couple of different projects.  The Secretariat was interested in re-branding the organization, making it more appealing to policy makers and government officials.  We also worked in the communications sector of the organization, improving the website and publications.  My favorite projects involved working with my boss, Thomas, on developing information on “Ambassadorial Countries.” Thomas travelled a lot to visit countries that could serve as models for other African nations to create, implement, and enforce policy that would best serve the disabled peoples of the country.  I loved getting to see his first-hand interactions with the government officials and his intense interest in developing the policies of the developing African continent.

Connect-123 was supportive and involved from Day One.  I enjoyed being in touch with Mel, and it was nice to have someone constantly on my side during the experience.  The office was also very helpful in planning extracurricular activities and fun excursions for my friends and I.  On behalf of both my sister (who worked with Connect-123 in 2007) and I, I’d highly recommend Connect-123 to anyone looking for a different type of internship experience in an unbeatable location.  Cape Town will not disappoint you!