UNICEF offers young people the chance to gain practical work experience!.

To contribute to the Government's efforts to employ young people, UNICEF Burundi has set up an initiative called the "Internship Program", aimed at exposing young Burundian university students to the world of work, building their capacity by providing a working environment and professional guidance, and generating interest in UNICEF's work.

The work placement is a unique opportunity for young people to make their first contact with the professional world and to put their theoretical knowledge into practice.

My internship with UNICEF-Burundi, in the SBC & Gender section, was pivotal for my career. I participated in various training sessions on social change and gender issues, highlighting the importance of adapting communication strategies to the needs of local communities. Working in the field enabled me to observe the direct impact of our efforts on children and women. The experiences I gained strengthened my professional skills and my passion for defending and promoting children's rights by integrating the gender dimension. I am now determined to work for a fairer and more equitable future for all.

My first impression was that, in a multicultural environment like this, everyone was welcoming, and the working environment was pleasant, warm, and highly professional. The team I was part of was always willing to support me. I'm proud to have been able to take full advantage of this experience in such an important organization. I didn’t limit myself to my section, as I had the opportunity to work with other sections, helping them acquire goods and services externally. This allowed me to learn about different acquisition processes.

Overall, I’d conclude by saying that the internship was a highly rewarding experience, and I can say that it has helped shape my understanding of professionalism from a broader perspective, as it will help me assess future opportunities in a more strategic and positive way.

These six months were a deep immersion in the world of development and humanitarian work, enabling me to acquire practical skills while contributing to concrete actions for communities and children's well-being. I've had several memorable experiences that have deepened my understanding of water, hygiene, sanitation, and climate-related issues, and have allowed me to observe firsthand the impact of our actions on local communities, particularly on children's health and development.

This experience also helped me develop a better appreciation of the challenges faced by populations in accessing drinking water and adequate sanitation, especially in the context of climate change. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the entire WASH and Climate team for their support, guidance, and knowledge sharing, and to UNICEF for this opportunity. This experience has reinforced my determination to contribute to a future where every child has access to essential water, hygiene, and sanitation services.

During my logistics internship, I felt fully integrated into the team thanks to amazing supervisors who shared their knowledge and helped me grow professionally. One of the most unforgettable aspects of my internship was working in the field. I was able to see the importance of logistics in ensuring that critical supplies reach the right place at the right time—whether vaccines, nutritional inputs, or educational materials. The experience left a lasting impression on me and gave me a great admiration for the work UNICEF does every day to make the world a better place for every child.

During my internship in the construction department, I contributed to analyzing financial bids for construction projects and monitoring the quality of classroom construction. I also developed a checklist of construction elements to be verified in the field, along with cost estimates for various building materials. These achievements enabled me to gain solid experience in sustainable construction and project management, while reinforcing my skills in planning and monitoring construction projects. This experience also fueled my commitment to managing construction waste so that every child can live in a healthier environment.

My internship at UNICEF, in the Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation section, was a deeply enriching professional experience. I had the opportunity to contribute to the management and monitoring of UNICEF partners, follow up on programmatic visits, and participate in the development of the End-User Supply Monitoring (EUSM) application. It strengthened my teamwork skills, taught me to be bold and confident, and improved my communication skills.

I will always be grateful for this opportunity, which has helped me grow both professionally and personally. This experience has strengthened my commitment to making a meaningful contribution to society, applying the values I have learned, and pursuing my career with the conviction that every action, no matter how small, can help create a better world for all.

As an intern in the Communication, Advocacy, and Partnership section, I had the opportunity to contribute to documenting the organization's results through the writing of human-interest stories (HIS), articles, and social media messages, as well as managing the section's photo albums and annual report.

My internship was particularly marked by field missions and inspiring encounters, which enabled me to appreciate UNICEF's achievements and gain invaluable knowledge that will help me explore new opportunities. Collaborating with such an efficient, organized, and dedicated team made all the difference.

I learned to step out of my comfort zone and take initiative. All these enriching activities have led me to see challenges as opportunities for learning and self-improvement. This has been an invaluable opportunity for personal growth.