𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚

Internships provide an opportunity to apply academic knowledge in practical settings, bridging the gap between theory and practice. They allow students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience, build essential skills, and develop a deeper understanding of their chosen field. My internship at Simba Ghana (the Gen Zs Civic Space Actors’ Internship Program) is a remarkable journey that exposed me to real-world challenges and solutions in governance, advocacy, youth and women’s growth, and research. The purpose of my internship is to improve the research skills, communication skills of youth and early career achievers and build their necessary competencies to work and thrive in the CSO and NGO space, which aligns perfectly with my goals of being a researcher and working in that space.

After 5 months into my internship, working in a dynamic environment, I had the privilege of contributing to impactful projects that addressed pressing social issues. The experience not only enhanced my research and analytical abilities but also improved my communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Through fieldwork, data collection, collaborations, and interactions with stakeholders, I gained firsthand insight into how policies are shaped and implemented at the local government level. This experience is both enlightening and empowering, reinforcing my passion for youth empowerment, governance and peacebuilding, and community development.

I was responsible for documenting activities conducted under different projects, including the UN Peace Building Fund Project, I Am Aware Project, and the Citizens Awareness and Advocacy for Campaign Finance Reforms Project (a USAID initiative). These reports captured key events, findings, and recommendations essential for project evaluation. In addition to report writing, I participated in the data collection and analysis of the Improving Literacy Through Sports-Based Learning baseline study conducted by Simba Ghana. This research provided insights into how sports can be integrated into literacy programs to enhance learning outcomes. As part of the Citizens Awareness and Advocacy for Campaign Finance Reforms Project, I helped collect and analyze data on vote-buying incidents and related activities in Ghana’s 2024 elections across three districts. The findings contributed to discussions on electoral integrity and campaign financing reforms. I also engage with stakeholders and local communities under the project areas, facilitating discussions and gathering valuable feedback to support policy advocacy efforts.

Challenges and Learning Experiences

One of the challenges I face is managing multiple activities and reporting tasks under tight deadlines. I improved my time management and prioritization skills by setting clear objectives and by always developing a weekly activity plan, and working actively and collaboratively with my supervisor. Engaging diverse stakeholders also required strong communication skills, which I honed through field interactions and project meetings. These experiences have helped me become more adaptable and effective in professional settings.

By the end of my internship at Simba Ghana, I expect to have enhanced my research and analytical skills through hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting. I aim to become more confident and effective in stakeholder engagement, particularly in working with community members, policymakers, and advocacy groups. Additionally, I anticipate strengthening my project management abilities by improving my coordination, organization, and leadership skills. This experience will also deepen my understanding of governance and peace-building, advocacy, youth and women’s development, and civic participation. Furthermore, I look forward to refining my communication skills through report writing, presentations, and fieldwork while building a strong professional network that will support my career development to function well in the CSO and NGO space.

Impact on My Career Aspirations

This internship strengthened my research, analytical, and communication skills, which are crucial for my aspirations of working in the Civic and NGO space. The experience of working on governance and advocacy projects has broadened my perspective on how evidence-based research informs decision-making at both community and policy levels.

Final Thoughts

Interning at Simba Ghana is a valuable experience that enhanced my professional growth. The opportunity to contribute to impactful projects and collaborate with experts has provided me with practical skills that I will carry forward in my career. I am grateful for the experience and look forward to leveraging the knowledge gained in future endeavors.

Author: Salifu Bayana Kumuriwor, Intern