As a communication student currently minoring in journalism, I’m always seeking to understand my surroundings and learn to give a voice to those who need to be heard. Hence, I was looking to intern where I could focus on self-growth and discover several facets of life. I felt that YUVA could lead me on this path, and I landed up doing my internship at YUVA.

You could ask me: “Why didn’t you choose to intern elsewhere?” My answer will always be the same: “After reading about YUVA, I was deeply attached to its vision and belief.” However, I was abroad when I applied here, but I was surprised by the quick response from the executive director, Mr Krishna Athal. Usually, when looking for an internship, they have to chase after it, which can sometimes become exhausting. But this fast response stood out to me, and the internship request situation felt reciprocated. Then, I was given my first interview the next day at flexible hours, and I’m grateful that it went well.

Afterwards, I was assigned to manage the Instagram account of YUVA with the proposed idea of making YUVA’s Instagram platform (@yuva_charity) a digital photo album aimed to project a feel-good factor among the Instagram community.

Indeed, when I went through the pictures’ folders, I was impressed by all the activities YUVA organised and participated in throughout the years. These inspiring images show that YUVA is here to bring impactful changes among children and youth. Nevertheless, managing a professional social media account was new to me, and as a first-year student, I needed some guidance in developing online strategies. Even though the director was abroad, he ensured that I got help throughout the process, which is something I appreciated. There were many good remarks during the learning process, but I won’t hide the fact that I made some mistakes here and there. Consequently, I was patiently instructed on how to improve whenever needed. This was essential to my internship because I could analyse my strengths and weaknesses.

At the end of my internship at YUVA, I take with my knowledge and values. Truthfully, we live in a world where values are slowly vanishing, but YUVA is one of the precious organisations that is keeping them alive. Therefore, interning at YUVA was indeed a chosen path towards growth, and I am grateful that I was given such an opportunity.

Amtul Kafee Taujoo, YUVA Intern and BSc (Hons) Communication Student at University of Mauritius