Cosima Thommen, specialist in humanitarian aid, educational projects, and Asian development, completed a six-month internship with Humanium.
“I joined Humanium in April 2010, for my final-semester internship. Because I was finishing up a Master’s in Humanitarian Projects and Cultural Development, I wanted this experience to be with an organization working with underprivileged children.
After my first experience on the ground, at a local NGO working with children from the slums of Calcutta, I wanted to hone my skills in this field, while being a part of an organization that I truly agreed with. It was a natural choice to join Humanium, as I admired their ethical and responsible programs respecting both people and nature, allowing underprivileged populations to become the agents of their own empowerment.
In a number of different ways, I was able to contribute to Humanium’s activities and participate in many new projects, such as their new website or even the Children’s Rights Web Portal. From coordinating outreach projects to managing volunteers, I worked on a wide variety of tasks that allowed me to strengthen my skills and develop new ones. The many responsibilities that I was able to take on, as part of working so independently, contributed to a truly formative experience, and have greatly benefitted my career trajectory.
The professional aspect aside, this internship has also been a thoroughly enriching human experience. I’ve shared the past six months with a team of people who are dynamic, engaging, and, most importantly, fun! The work environment and the welcome every morning by our organization’s mascot, Shaya, made this internship something I’ll never forget.
My internship is finished, but my work with Humanium continues, because despite progress and projects, there are still thousands of children left to make smile again !”
