I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Bill Mooney and Ms. Brandee Marckmann for their generous support through the Chris Tyler Marckmann International Social Work Internship and the William Henry Kelly Social Work Summer Internship Award, which made this incredible opportunity possible. Your generous support allowed me to live a transformative experience that has not only enriched my academic path but also touched me on a deeply personal level. I was born in Rwanda and immigrated to Canada at a young age. Today, I am a student in Social Work at 海角社区, and my passion lies in international Social Work practice. I am drawn to understanding the diversity of human experience and the different ways communities approach care, resilience, and empowerment. I love learning and cultivating curiosity about how things are done in different contexts. To me, the uniqueness of every human being is a richness, and I am grateful for opportunities that allow me to grow from this diversity.
When I first heard about the possibility of interning at Chez Les Bien-Aim茅s mission, I felt an immediate connection to their vision. I was inspired by their mission of creating programs that empower both children and their families. This opportunity was particularly meaningful because it allowed me to return to my motherland after many years. The chance to reconnect with Rwanda while also contributing to a mission aligned with my values was truly special. My learning objectives were to gain practical experience in supporting children and youth in their educational and personal development, to contribute to programming that fosters community engagement and empowerment, and to strengthen my professional skills in empathy, co-operation, and intercultural practice.
Chez Les Bien-Aim茅s School is more than an educational institution; it is a community rooted in care and growth. The organization is dedicated to fostering a love of learning in every child, while recognizing that true education extends beyond academics. Their approach places equal emphasis on character development, kindness, empathy, and resilience. What sets Chez Les Bien-Aim茅s apart is their unwavering belief that every child is unique and brimming with potential waiting to be nurtured.
Some of the most memorable moments of my internship were the bonds I built with the students. On my final days, the children clung to me so tightly that I nearly fell as I walked, an overwhelming display of their affection that I will never forget. Equally unforgettable were the countless times when the students became my teachers: whether by teaching me a new word in Kinyarwanda or showing me a different way of doing things, these moments reminded me that learning is always mutual.
One of the challenges I faced was balancing my responsibilities between this internship and another project supported by an ARIA Award, also through the Arts Internship Office. At first, juggling both commitments felt overwhelming. However, through open communication with my supervisors and thoughtful division of tasks, I found a balance that allowed me to contribute meaningfully to both experiences.
This internship was truly life changing. It reaffirmed my desire to pursue further studies, specifically an MSW and a JD/BCL, to deepen my knowledge and strengthen my ability to address social issues in diverse contexts. Conversations with educators and community leaders in Rwanda helped me identify the gaps in resources and skills that are urgently needed. At the same time, I realized how much I can carry back to Canada; the approaches, the resilience, and the 鈥渨ays of doing鈥� that I witnessed will continue to shape my practice here. The financial support I received through the Internship Awards was indispensable. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience without worrying about logistical or financial concerns back in Canada. My only focus was to excel in my internship duties and to learn as much as possible.
For all of this, I am deeply grateful. Thank you once again to Mr. Bill Mooney and Ms. Brandee Marckmann for supporting the Chris Tyler Marckmann International Social Work Internship and the William Henry Kelly Social Work Summer Internship Award for your generous support. You made it possible for me to not only reconnect with my roots, but also to grow as a student, a professional, and a person.
