By Senara Fernando
Placements and internships provide an important bridge between academic learning and real-world experience. For many young people, they offer an opportunity to develop professional skills, build confidence, and gain practical exposure within a working environment. My placement at Mojatu Foundation was a truly valuable experience that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful community-focused initiatives.
During my time at Mojatu Foundation, I worked within a supportive and collaborative environment where I was introduced to projects centred on community engagement, digital innovation, and social impact. The experience helped me understand the importance of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in achieving organisational goals and creating positive change within communities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the placement was the opportunity to work with digital platforms such as Mazingira360. Through this experience, I gained insight into how technology can be used to improve public access to information, media content, and community resources. Working with these systems strengthened my research skills, improved my ability to adapt to new technologies, and enhanced my understanding of how digital tools can support organisations in delivering services more effectively.
The placement also played a major role in developing my organisational and time-management skills. Completing assigned tasks within deadlines taught me the importance of responsibility, attention to detail, and effective coordination with colleagues. I also became more confident in professional communication through teamwork, feedback sessions, and regular collaboration with staff members.
Although the experience was highly rewarding, it also came with challenges. Adjusting to unfamiliar systems and understanding technical processes initially required patience and independent learning. However, overcoming these challenges helped me become more proactive, resilient, and confident when approaching new responsibilities and unfamiliar tasks.
Beyond technical and professional development, the placement deepened my appreciation for community-focused work and the role organisations like Mojatu Foundation play in empowering communities and creating social impact. Seeing how projects and initiatives can directly support individuals and improve lives was both inspiring and motivating.
Overall, my placement at Mojatu Foundation was an educational and transformative experience. It provided me with practical skills, valuable workplace experience, and a stronger understanding of digital innovation and community engagement. Most importantly, it contributed significantly to my personal growth and professional development, preparing me for future opportunities and challenges.
I am grateful to Mojatu Foundation for providing such a meaningful opportunity and for creating an environment that encourages learning, growth, and positive impact within communities.
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