My First Internship Experience
Over the spring break, fellow TCU student, James Mukundi Mbae and I, went on our first two-week long internship. This was made possible through the opportunity provided by TCU for students to participate in either a Global studies or Career Internship, during the course of their study. The Global studies internship focuses on engagement with, and an intent to solve, a specific global issue, while the Career Internship allows students gain hands-on experience in a field as a way to bridge what they learn in class with real work and offer them insight into a potential career path. . We chose the Global Studies Internship, and the experience was nothing short of transformative.
Our host organization was the Education for Orphans Non-Profit Association, founded and run by the Bishop family—Mr. & Mrs. Bishop and their children. They have years of experience in both church and mission work here in Japan. About three years ago, they connected with a gentleman in Uganda who runs an orphanage that supports over seventy children. This raised within them a desire to support and participate in this mission, which in turn led to the formation of the Education for Orphans Non-Profit Association. Primarily, the association focuses on raising funds here in Japan, to support the orphanage out in Uganda. The Philia Café, where we spent much of our time serving, is the main means of fundraising, now.
The Philia Café serves drinks and food, offers an exhibition space for artists, and helps people host events within the Hamura community, and is quickly becoming a favorite for many of the locals. Much of our work involved aiding the successful day-to-day running of the facility, as well as with hosting or participating in planned events. We made and served drinks, engaged guests as they came in, and had numerous chances to share about our countries. Among the events we participated in and hosted were, the Science Café. It is a gathering of older Japanese men and women who read books and engage in discussions together, in an effort to build community and keep their friendship going. Members were especially curious about our countries and our reasons for coming to Japan.
Second, we participated in English discussion classes for students wanting to learn English, thereby giving them an opportunity to practice.
Third, we helped with a Sunday School program, organized by a renown Christian performer and his wife, for both Christian and Non-Christian kids within the Hamura community to learn about Christ, fellowship, and grow in faith. We presented Swahili songs, taught them African dances, and participated in the making of crafts.
Fourth—which was our major event— was the hosting of the African Night. This event was organized to have people within the community come and hear presentations about Africa—Kenya and Sierra Leone—, listen to some African songs, and to try out African food—acheke from Sierra Leone, and smocha and ugali from Kenya. The event was widely shared and was a success, attracting the attention of the local newspaper Nishitama-shinbun and other prominent members of the community .
The internship was a blessing in every way. Especially being welcomed into the home of the Bishops and being afforded an opportunity to serve alongside them was profound and eye-opening. We shared beautiful memories and stories, visited places together, and have been able to forge a relationship that will hopefully transcend the duration of the internship. I genuinely look forward to doing a few more of these during the rest of my time at TCU.
By B. John M’baaday
