Diploma students – summer service internship presentations

This summer, 48 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma students participated in our Academy Summer Internship Programme, a unique service-based learning initiative that supplements the CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) portfolio of the IB Diploma Programme. Students spent an intensive month in urban and rural areas of eight Indian states, working with non-profit organisations focusing on education, rural development, women and child empowerment, disaster awareness, youth training, agriculture and nutrition.

Student numbers and participating organisations in the Academy Summer Internship Programme have increased quickly over the last two years, demonstrating the inherent value of this programme for all. Students go through a rigorous selection process involving written applications and interviews with the Academy’s senior leadership team. Individual student preferences and skills are matched to specific needs articulated by listed organisations. Once students accept offers, another set of interviews is conducted by their respective organisations to finalise projects and placements. An orientation camp organised by our CAS team launches this annual internship programme just before summer break.

The process is scrutinised and refined each year to ensure that each student experience is a personal journey of self-discovery and development, as they learn through experience. All 48 interns made presentations at a recent event at the Academy for grade 11 students and Academy Senior School staff. Students spoke about their projects, moments of elation, challenges, and how the internships have helped shape their career paths.

Excerpts from their written reflections

“With a bag full of smiles, blessings and memories, I brought back three reasons why every young aspirer like me should consider going on such a soulful journey. The first one is self-discovery: your emotions, capabilities and aspirations for future. Secondly, rejuvenation: in your thought process, beliefs and relationships. Last but not the least, experience: challenges, realisations and the purpose of your being.”
– Eva Arif Raiyani interned at Maharogi Sewa Samiti, Anandwan working with leprosy patients and the physically challenged in Maharashtra.

“If I were to describe my internship in one word, I would say ‘perseverance’. It was by far the most difficult test of my willpower and commitment to date. However, despite all these barriers that stood right in front of me every single day, I would say this internship was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life. The internship taught me to be self-reliant, tolerant and most importantly taught me to be a fighter. I fought against my own previous self who was judgmental and had prejudices about the people working around me. I guess now I can proudly say that I am in reality a changed man who overcame many of his biases.” 
– Faiz Bandeali interned at Farm2Food working with organic farming and healthy living in rural Assam. 

“We contributed enormously to conceptualizing poster designs for various programs. We also created a systematic form and database for the organisation data entries and encrypting sensitive information. I was able to enhance my Photoshop, coding and systematic database creation skills.”
– Ravish Virani interned at Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) in Mumbai. 

“From all the tasks I completed, children across the country were getting a step closer to pursuing their education. With an education, they will of course provide for their family and improve the lives of the people around them. Children pursuing education is what is required in society and I consider this as an accomplishment.”
– Nafees Charania interned at AKES in Mumbai.