My Placement Experience During Lockdown

Marie-Fatou and her ACT experience

My name is Marie-Fatou and I’m a university placement student at ACT. I’m 20 years old and in the second year of my degree programme in International Relations and Development at the University of Westminster, London.

My interest in politics, especially global politics, comes from having lived in a variety of countries in Europe and America. It is also because I am fascinated by how local issues can have international impact, and the other way around.  My aspiration after I have completed my studies is to work in international development with the aim of making a positive impact on the world around me. It is an important priority for me. In my free time I very much enjoy being creative whether it’s through cooking or artwork.

I found out about the African Child Trust (ACT) when I attended the Westminster Volunteering and Work Experience Fair for students last October. It was a virtual event, a first, as the UK is impacted by coronavirus. About 40 different community and voluntary organisations took part, offering a range of volunteering opportunities. I was immediately attracted to ACT and became interested in doing my placement with them because of their focus on disadvantaged children in Africa who they support to receive an education. I was taken by their approach of nurturing a strong connection with the children and the communities where they work. Fostering and valuing human connections is crucial when setting out to support and help others, as only having a mutual relationship will ensure the greatest benefits.

My first day at ACT started with a lovely welcome over Zoom. Kunle, the director, and Jo, a team member, introduced me to the workings of ACT and gave me a variety of tasks with the aim of familiarising myself with the different parts that make up ACT. In engaging with the different platforms and elements of ACT, I very quickly began to feel like a part of the team.

From the start of the placement, I have worked remotely from home like other staff members and gotten used to it. The learning, being able to gain knowledge and developing my skills have been the best experience. Doing so from home has been rather convenient especially as my cat is always close by, napping or gazing out of the window. However, I miss the social experience of working in an office environment.

“Working from home has many benefits, I am able to enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea while working on my tasks and a homey lunch is always available.”

At ACT, I am gaining insight into the workings of an international NGO and increasing my knowledge and understanding of international development. I am developing my research and administrative skills, using my laptop more than before and getting better organised, all necessary attributes which are important for making me more employable and finding a job in international development after graduation.

I am very much enjoying my placement with ACT and finding the experience more engaging!

Would you like to gain valuable experience with us?

We are a small and welcoming organisation that is doing amazing work among disadvantaged children and vulnerable women in Africa. For more information about ACT please click here.

If you would like to find out about available volunteering opportunities at ACT, click here.