Centre, Government Summer Intern Partnership
The Centre on Philanthropy has formed a partnership with The Department of Community & Cultural Affairs, through its Community Education & Development Programme.
This programme has been developed to encourage summer interns to discover the joy of giving and serving others, as well as learning good work ethics in partnership with Bermuda’s charitable organizations.
The Summer Internship Programme, managed by the Community Education & Development Programme section of The Department of Community & Cultural Affairs has been offering students work experience with local companies during July and August for the past seven years.
Students 15 to 18 years of age are matched with a local company and are mentored and provided with orientation, training, and tasks to familiarize them with the work environment and protocols of their respective organizations.
For the very first time, this year, the Summer Internship Programme now includes Bermuda’s charitable organizations. The idea, from The Centre on Philanthropy, was welcomed by Government. Bermuda’s charitable organizations have now seen seven students join them to gain practical experience in humanitarian work as well as to increase their knowledge of the Third Sector non-profit organization.
“Some 200 students per year take advantage of our Summer Internship Programme and we were very pleased to add the Third Sector to the choice of student work experiences previously offered only within Government and the private sector”, said Mrs. LaVerne Simmons, Central Coordinator of the Community Education & Development Programme.
“To assist our young people in their all-round development, exposure to volunteerism is an important part of their personal and professional experience. Understanding that ‘work’ is not just about money and discovering the satisfaction of giving of oneself and time to benefit those less fortunate is priceless”, added Mrs. Simmons.
In addition to orienting the students about the Third Sector, The Centre on Philanthropy provides skills-based training during a one day ‘Workplace Etiquette Workshop’ that helps to prepare them for their assignments with the charitable organization that they have been paired with.
Lorna McGowan, Programme Co-ordinator at The Centre on Philanthropy, is very enthusiastic about this new collaboration with Government and is thoroughly enjoying working with the students. She describes them as “amazingly eager and well-equipped to assist their charity.”
In a recent interview Yannie Outerbridge, Intern, Sandy’s 360 said, “First I’d like to thank Government and The Centre on Philanthropy for giving me this opportunity. It has really opened my eyes to the concept of ‘giving’ and how young people can appreciate life more when they help others. At Sandy’s 360 I have worked with people of different abilities and found how we all have something to offer/give one another. I have made great friendships with people who have helped me when I was going through a rough time. I have met people there who encourage young people, help them be more – giving selflessly of their time and energy to help. This has been a great inspiration to me.
“I realized I am put on this earth to do something important and I will! The networking has been great but also learning how to present yourself, your speech and proper etiquette have helped me build confidence. Sandy’s 360 need our support and I believe in them and would support them again next year. They are much more than a gym! They assist with academics, implement activities and help young people. One day I will start my own charity to give back to the community by helping at-risk youth.”
In the same interview Sierra Dietz, Intern, The Centre on Philanthropy said,“I was planning to intern in the private sector in marketing or human resources, then I heard about the opportunity to work within a charitable organisation. I have volunteered quite a bit before, at Windreach, Youthnet, my church etc., so I had an understanding of giving back to the community but the experience this summer has opened my eyes to the work opportunities that exist within the Third Sector, so now I am thinking this is probably the sector I’d prefer to work in.
“I am very glad to have the chance through Government and The Centre on Philanthropy to explore this. The orientation and training have developed my skills and helped me feel more comfortable speaking with people I don’t know and presenting to larger audiences. I would highly recommend this programme to other students. The rewards of giving, meeting new people and the personal and professional growth have given me a great sense of accomplishment.”
At the end of August, The Third Sector Summer Internship Programme will culminate in a ceremony where the students will make presentations on their projects to their parents and charities, The Community Education & Development Programme and CoP staff; they will also be presented with Certificates of Completion.
