Kuena and Ravicka: World YWCA Interns 2010

Despite this, Ravicka Philllip (YWCA of Grenada, Caribbean) and Kuena Diaho (YWCA of Lesotho, Africa) have arrived at the World YWCA to start their one-year young women’s leadership development experience and are looking forward to the journey ahead. They share with us their hopes for the upcoming year.

Why did you apply for the World YWCA internship?

Kuena:  I wish to develop and advance my leadership skills that will allow me to work nationally and internationally. Nationally, I would like to see and help the YWCA of Lesotho grow into a better association with good programmes. Working with the YWCA and with women will help build my confidence while contributing towards women’s development. Interning at World YWCA gives more exposure to the work of the YWCA and other affiliated and partner organisations with a similar vision.

Ravicka:  I applied for the internship because I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn more about the YWCA and its partner agencies. Also, I thought the experience could be one that allows for personal growth and it’s an opportunity to work with an international organisation.

What was your role with your respective YWCA at home?

Kuena: I worked with the YWCA as the Youth Coordinator and the Secretary of M’asana, Lesotho Branch. My duties were to facilitate youth programmes and mobilise projects. I also represented YWCA at the Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Associations, working with the Women and Children’s Commission dealing with issues affecting Orphaned and Vulnerable Children and women. There were workshops for divorcees, single parents and women who face many challenges in their homes, such as violence. For young girls, we addressed issues such as teenage pregnancy, violence and the alarming rate of early marriages.

Ravicka:  At the YWCA of Grenada I was a youth member and volunteer. In particular, I worked on our HIV and AIDS awareness work and the Children Christmas Party. I really enjoyed this work.

What do you hope to learn during the internship?

Kuena:  I hope to improve my advocacy and communication skills. I want to better understand how the World YWCA works. There is a lot to learn and I hope I will be able to take it all in and see how diverse the work of the YWCA is.

Ravicka: I hope to learn new strategies and methods that can help my local YWCA in carrying out their programmes and activities. I want to develop my personal and leadership skills and interact with people; especially those from different cultural backgrounds.

What are your interests outside the YWCA?

Kuena:  I wish to pursue my studies in International Economic/Trade law. Trade plays an integral part in our day-to-day lives. I would very much be delighted to be a part of the Economic/Trade family that promotes development and help reduce poverty. I have also developed a keen appreciation for the Guitar that I would love to learn how to play. I also want to develop my French that I hope living in a French-speaking city will help do.

Ravicka: I enjoy cooking, reading and exploring new places and trying new things; especially new and interesting food dishes.

What are you enjoying most about Geneva so far?

Kuena:  The city is beautifully structured. It is very humbling to be walking between these buildings that seem to have so much history behind them. The diversity of the place does not make me feel like an outcast. There are people from all parts the world and it feels good to ask and be asked, where are you from, without being shy to do so. Most importantly, and it’s pleasing, is that everything is on time…especially the transport system. It’s amazing!

Ravicka: The food, namely the endless selection of chocolate and wide variety of breads.

What do you miss the most about home?

Kuena:  I miss my family, their voices, their laughter and the Sunday meals. I miss the language (seriously) and the Sesotho expressions that if I used here would not make as much difference as they would had they been used/said to someone who understands them or in the situation appropriate for their use.

Ravicka:  Family of course! I also miss the clear blue skies and the sunshine.