"The true measure of a nation’s standing is how well it attends to its children – their health, their safety, their material security, their education and culture, and their sense of being loved, valued, and included" ~ Nelson Mandela
Before walking through the doors of UNICEF, my world was anchored at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER). As a research assistant, I was immersed in the quiet world of data collection, cleaning, and analysis. It was a prestigious place. As a young professional, it was humbling to work within such a prestigious institution which quietly built the foundation I didn't yet know I would need.
Then, one ordinary scroll through WhatsApp changed everything. A post about an internship opportunity at UNICEF Ghana, in the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) unit, caught my eye. I applied with quiet confidence since UNICEF is the kind of place that almost everyone in the research and development ecosystem aspires to belong to. With a surge of motivation, I applied, advanced through the stages, and completed my interview in November. Then came December 31st. What an unforgettable way to start the New Year! I opened my email to see the words: “Congratulations, you have been selected to intern with UNICEF Ghana in the PME Unit.” I was overjoyed. There could not have been a better way to close one year and open another. By January 5, 2026, my journey officially began.
A Space Without Borders
From my very first day at UNICEF Ghana, the reality exceeded my expectations. What stood out most was not only the professionalism and modern systems within the organization but, most importantly, the people. The warmth, openness, kindness, and willingness of staff to support one another created an environment where I immediately felt welcomed. For the first time, I found myself in a workspace where I could fully express myself in words and actions without any borders.
My supervisors, Michelle Seyram Tsagli, National Monitoring Officer, who supervised me in the first two months and Samuel Debrah Osei Amakye, National Officer and head of the Monitoring pillar in the PME Unit, who guided me closely from February until the very end, were nothing short of amazing. They didn't just give me tasks; they gave me the room to learn, grow, and truly evolve into my prime self.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi
This internship was packed with moments that made me feel like an integral part of the team. A major highlight was participating intensively in the planning of our 2026 Strategic Moment of Reflection (SMR), both internally and externally with the UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Director, Gilles Fagninou. During the SMR, I worked across the planning and engagement ends of the process: from logistics, site recce, and venue setup to refining the presentation slides that brought the internal review to life and facilitating slides presentations during the actual event. I also designed and deployed e-surveys for development partners and internal stakeholders, capturing honest feedback on how government and partners view UNICEF's work. I left the experience understanding that behind every successful reflection process are people willing to do the unseen work of making space for truth to surface. It was inspiring to see how UNICEF reflect and pause to examine progress on programmatic work and chart a path forward for improving the lives of children across Ghana.
Over these six months, I was trusted with real responsibilities. I conducted deep dive analyses on Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs), supported the 2026 Annual Management Plan, and reviewed key indicators in the Random Assessment Module (RAM). I also had the joy of training the PME team on MS Planner to help us collaborate better, and co-led the consolidation of the 2026/2027 Ghana Country Office Workplan. And on a lighter note, beyond technical responsibilities, serving as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) for staff events and Happy Hour activities allowed me to connect with colleagues beyond work and appreciate the human side of the organization. Nothing kills the spirit faster than being in a place where you cannot express yourself. UNICEF gave me the exact opposite, an environment to shine in words and deeds at full scale.
Lessons from the Journey
Like every journey, there were challenges. One of the biggest was commuting to work each day. To beat the ‘legendary’ traffic and make it to the office on time, I had to wake up incredibly early. I quickly learned that a mere five-minute delay at home could cost you an extra hour on the road! But looking back, I am grateful for that struggle. It made me far more disciplined and taught me the value of consistency. It also reminded me that, penetrating any growth phase is unpleasant and we must consciously and intentionally be comfortable with the discomfort that comes with the process of growth.
Looking back, one of my greatest lessons from UNICEF is that the greatest gifts in life are never material things, but people and the experiences that shape us. I want to extend my deepest, most sincere gratitude to Nirav, the PME Manager; Samuel, my supervisor; and my wonderful team colleagues; Augustine, Andrea, Miriam, and Thelma as well as the entire UNICEF Ghana staff. You made this place a home for me.
Evolving for the Future
As my contract comes to a close this June, I recognize that an ending is simply the beginning of another chapter. I believe that to do anything well in life, there is a process of what we must know, understand, and become before we can do what must be done. UNICEF was one of the core places that sponsored growth initiatives to help me become my best self for national and global influence and impact. UNICEF has been one of the core environments that have supported my growth, refining me into my prime self to create national and global impact.
This experience has strengthened my desire to work at the intersection of economics, statistics, data, and public policy; using evidence to support better decisions, improve institutions, and contribute ideas that create meaningful impact. I love numbers, I love policy. I believe that numbers tell stories, and when combined with purpose, they can become powerful tools for change. More than anything, I love refining people's thought patterns to help them believe in themselves so they can become better versions of themselves for the world.
My time at UNICEF was not only an internship, but it was also a period of becoming. It refined my skills, expanded my perspective, and reminded me that true impact comes from continuously learning, serving, and growing. The journey continues and I look forward to becoming an agent of positive change, contributing both nationally and globally wherever my skills and passion can make a difference.
I Am An Agent Of Change.
