Today we catch up with Wuyani Gondwe and Lucy Latham from Outwood Academy, who have just completed a one-week work experience placement at Good Neighbours UK. They’ve been learning what makes our team tick and our role in facilitating projects in low-income countries. In their brief time here, they provided valuable support to our communications and fundraising teams in writing new articles and assessing grant opportunities.
Lets find out more about them and what they’ve learned this week.
My name is Lucy and I go to Outwood Academy in Easingwold, North Yorkshire. Currently, I am studying History, Sociology and English
Language at A-Level.
Why did you apply to work at Good Neighbours UK?
I applied to do work experience at Good Neighbours UK because I am passionate about helping others and development. I hoped that by working here I would be able to understand more about what it is like working in an international charity that does great work globally.
How did it feel on your first day?
I had never been in a professional workplace before this placement, so I was nervous about how I would find the environment. However, Zarina and the rest of the team made the atmosphere extremely welcoming, completely alleviating any fears I had previously. In the past week, I have learnt so much and am extremely grateful for this opportunity.
What have you learned?
Good Neighbours UK does incredibly valuable projects internationally by partnering with overseas branches and other organisations. They engage in projects in a variety of sectors, such as health, education, and emergency response. I’ve learnt a lot about the process of both fundraising and gaining grants, as well as the planning stages that take place for allocation of funding and how solutions are created to solve humanitarian issues.
What was your favourite part?
I’ve especially loved writing articles about the projects that Good Neighbours UK have undertaken. Through researching both the issues that needed to be tackled and the actions Good Neighbours UK have taken, I now have a greater depth of knowledge about the invaluable work that they do, and what we can all do to play our part. I have always loved writing, so this has given me more confidence and practice at an important skill that I know I want to continue in the future. Ultimately, it has been great being part of both a working environment and an effort that continues to empower and improve the lives of communities across the globe.
My name is Wuyani Gondwe, and I go to Outwood Academy in Easingwold, North Yorkshire. I am studying A-level Economics, Geography and Sociology
Why did you apply to work at Good Neighbours UK?
I applied to Good Neighbours UK to be able to get a better understanding the day-to-day running of a charity, such as how they develop fundraising proposals and what it also means to be able to interact with and help people around the world.
How did it feel on your first day?
I was a bit nervous when coming to Good Neighbours on my first day as I really did not know what to expect as this was my first ever time working with a charity but as soon as I opened the door Zarina gave me a warm welcome and made me feel at home which shows the value of having a good working environment around you, it was much better than what I expected to walk into on my first day.
What have you learned?
I have learnt that Good Neighbours UK aims to improve the livelihoods in areas of the world that do not have the same opportunities as individuals in developed countries. Good Neighbours supports children as well as women through health, education, climate change, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene projects. They have completed eight projects and have three ongoing projects. I believe they are doing an amazing job at changing people’s lives in vulnerable situations
What was your favourite part?
My favorite part of my work experience here at Good Neighbours UK talking to Amreen Afroza who works for Good Neighbors Bangladesh. Bangladesh is vulnerable to recurring natural disasters such as flooding and cyclones and Good Neighbors Bangladesh work with communities to help. They also support over 20,000 vulnerable children through their child sponsorship projects.
I am most impressed by the charity’s ability to improve the lives of so many people who are in critical situations and their focus on helping people to overcome their situations. This is a splendid thing to witness.
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