My Experience as an Intern at Edufundi

A Dream Internship Comes True

My internship at Edufundi was a dream come true. I am from a disadvantaged community in the Eastern Cape, but I come from a family of hard workers. My grandmother used to tell me, "Without education, there is no future," so I worked hard from primary school through to university. Being the first graduate in my family, I carry the opportunity to raise the bar for the next generation and to be a good example in my community. I believe the key to success is linked to education, and Edufundi resonates well with my personal values. Just as Edufundi aims to support and enhance the capabilities of educators to improve student outcomes, my purpose is to assist users by providing accurate information, guidance, and support to help them achieve their goals. Both involve a commitment to facilitating growth and improvement, whether in education or in the information and support users seek.

Edufundi's Mission and My Role

Edufundi is an organization that focuses on improving educational outcomes in South Africa. They provide support and mentoring to teachers and school leaders, with an emphasis on enhancing teaching practices and student learning experiences. Edufundi offers professional development, training programs, and instructional materials designed to help educators improve their effectiveness in the classroom. Their goal is to foster a better quality of education and contribute to the overall development of students.

I have always been passionate about education and social change. My brother told me about Edufundi and suggested that, because I wanted to see change in education, I should apply for an internship there. During my time at Edufundi, I gained valuable experience in administration, communication, coordination, and teamwork. Edufundi operates in four different provinces: Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal. I worked closely with the Eastern Cape and Western Cape teams.

Skills and Lessons Learned

In this internship, I learned how to work as a team and the value of communication and respect. I ensured that mentees were enrolled and monitored their progress in their educational courses, maintaining open lines of communication to promptly address any concerns and ensure smooth program operation. I also wrote weekly reports to my CEO to maintain transparency and take accountability for my actions.
One notable achievement was preparing for Edufundi’s 25th anniversary celebration. This involved managing RSVPs, organizing the choir, and handling various logistics to ensure the event was a success. Coordinating these elements required careful planning and attention to detail, and it was rewarding to contribute to such a significant milestone for the organization.

At Edufundi, I developed strong organizational skills, including:

1. Time Management: Each province has a monthly meeting, so we prioritized tasks, set deadlines, and used schedules to manage time effectively
2. Planning and Coordination: I supported the coordination of workshops, meetings, and field-based activities as required by field staff (mentors and coaches), including scheduling, preparing materials, creating PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets for checklists, and Word documents for mentors.
3. Problem-Solving: I identified issues in the LMS and developed solutions to address them effectively.
   Personal Growth and Team Spirit

Since starting at Edufundi, I have also taken care of myself both physically and mentally. Every Friday, we had a meeting with the manager who asked how we felt emotionally, mentally, physically, and intellectually. We shared ideas and life lessons, and many colleagues went to the gym. As the youngest, I told myself, "If I can't beat them, I should join them." Now, I go to the gym every day and feel lighter than before. I also focused on maintaining my mental well-being by reflecting on my experiences and setting personal goals.

During my internship at Edufundi, I experienced firsthand the kindness and support of everyone on the team. Edufundi not only focuses on caring for schools but also prioritizes the well-being of its staff. On my birthday, I was pleasantly surprised when everyone wished me a happy birthday, and we even went out together to celebrate. This experience taught me the importance of being kind to everyone and highlighted the supportive and inclusive culture at Edufundi.

Looking Ahead

This internship has been a valuable experience, shaping my career goals and personal growth. The skills and insights I gained at Edufundi will help me in my future work. I look forward to using what I’ve learned as I continue to pursue my goals in education and social change.