By: Erin Solloway
As we finished up the first session of summer interns at Manna, we asked a few to describe their virtual experience. Check out what they have to say about their time with Manna Project International!
Jason Wu-
“For the past 5 weeks, I have been working on developing a new curriculum for our adult English classes. It’s been a challenge to integrate parts of our old curriculum with new material; however, I am proud of the work I have accomplished so far. Additionally, with my partner Jordan, we have been drafting proposals for new Health and Livelihood programs including a community clean-up initiative and a teen drug/alcohol abuse prevention seminar. Hopefully, in the fall, these programs will be up and running and address the needs of our community members. Thank you Manna for this incredible opportunity!”
Ashley Wells-
“My time with Manna so far has been really fun! I have been working with the Community Development and Outreach group and have helped to write a needs assessment for locals in Sangolqui, started a community map to help residents locate pre existing resources, and other members of the group have worked on the website promoting the needs assessment and creating a more user–friendly experience for Ecuadorians looking to access Manna information and resources. I have also been taking Spanish lessons and helping my language exchange partner learn phrasal verbs while we also teach each other about the cities we live in. The highlight of my experience has been without a doubt the language exchange program because I have ultimately become good friends with my partner. Teaching English and learning Spanish has been such a fun experience and it’s fun to see the similarities we have.”
Ally Millar-
My time with Manna exceeded all my expectations. My favorite thing I worked on was creating a new needs assessment to survey community members about their wants. Manna can use this assessment to improve and create programs that better serve the community. I had 3 hours of Spanish class a week and 6 hours of working group meetings each week and that was for sure a highlight. I made real connections to people in Ecuador despite working virtually. The volunteers I worked alongside were brilliant and I loved seeing how their minds worked. Along with that, Manna prioritized the growth and reflection of their volunteers through personal and professional workshops. What an incredible 5 weeks! Thank you MPI.
Erin Solloway-
“Over these past five weeks I have had a blast learning all about Manna Project and how I can contribute in my small amount of time with them. I had the pleasure of working with Jackie and Elena on the communication and fundraising team, and we were able to create social media posts as well as grant research. Together we even completed the first phase of a grant proposal, with the hope of gaining funding for Manna’s english programs. I also grew professionally through the various informational seminars given by Manna staff and alumni. Through the language exchange program I improved my Spanish and learned Ecuadorian slang from my partner Shakira, and through my Spanish lessons I was able to practice holding a conversation with my incredibly patient teacher, Ms. Nuñez. My favorite thing about Manna is by far the people I’ve met, who have helped me to grow professionally and personally more than I ever thought would be possible through a virtual internship. Thank you Manna for an unforgettable five weeks!”
Elena Walker-
“Interning virtually these past five weeks for Manna Project has been the highlight of my summer so far. I went in with unconsciously high expectations because I had been so excited to go to Ecuador. I was hoping that the virtual internship would at least half make up for not actually being able to intern abroad. Somehow my expectations were exceeded, and I have learned so much about myself as an individual and about my future career. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of Manna’s amazing employees and working with the Project Directors and other summer interns. Knowing that the work I was doing for Manna was actually going to affect the community in a positive way was an experience that I had never had. From writing our first Letter of Inquiry to apply for a grant to weekly Zoom calls with my Ecuadorian language exchange partner, there have been countless amazing moments in such a short five weeks. I will carry with me the values and lessons I learned from my time with Manna as I move into different stages of my education and career path. I am grateful for the opportunity to have come alongside an organization like Manna who truly cares for and respects the community it serves.”
Joaquin Pacheco Criado-
“During my first 5-weeks at Manna I was part of the Program Design & Evaluation group. There, I primarily helped with the development of a micro-loan program to support the financial needs of the Equatorian community affected by the COVID-19 related economic crisis. I love the energy each and every member of Manna has and it was a great pleasure to share these 5 weeks with them. I am looking forward to making this project succeed and contribute to Manna’s goal of improving the lives of those in need.”
Laura Rono-
“My internship at Manna has exceeded my exceptions far beyond what I thought it was going to be. While it is a bummer that we were not able to be on-site in Sangolqui, Ecuador, I have grown so much during this internship. I have also met some amazing people and made friendships that have been so meaningful. In 6 weeks my Spanish grew unlike any other skill I've ever learned. Sì. Es verdad. I am so grateful for the chance to learn from the community partners like Fundacion Niños Con Destino. My language exchange partner and I talk about the most random things in this world. I enjoy it so much because I get to see a different perspective, but also how similar Kenyan and Ecuadorian culture is! I can't wait to see what my next four weeks will be like, and to contribute even more to the English lessons and designing program processes.”