We’re asking former participants of Together for Development what got them interested in the short course, what they learned, and what they are doing after this transformative experience. Hear from
Ninah-Miriam from Tanzania
below:
Which edition of Together for Development did you attend?I attended the Short Course in 2018/2019
What sparked your interest in attending the UWC Short Course, Together for Development in Eswatini?My school, which is now
UWC East Africa, was still working towards becoming a UWC and it had posters around about Together for Development. It bothered me that I continuously saw the posters about a course that would empower the youths to development and I chose to be ignorant. I asked around about the course and I had an Alumni speak to me about it. It was then that I was eager to apply.
What was your favorite activity during the short course?
I loved visiting the different communities and learning more about what happened in the Swazi communities. On the other hand, I created my daily workshop of taking pictures during the course—this was actually my favorite part. I enhanced my photography skills and if anyone had told me, I should have brought my camera with me.
What would you say was your biggest takeaway from the short course?
I learned to be grateful and appreciate the little I have. I also picked up skills and tools to help grow myself and the community around me. I also know the basics of SiSwati (haha)
How has this takeaway or other learnings from the short course influenced your life thus far or in the future?
The Short Course challenged me immensely into working very closely with my surroundings so as to encourage development. Since the ending of the Short Course, I decided to take the initiative to work with an NGO around my hometown. It deals with educating the society about children, adults and families/people that segregate their family members and friends that have Down Syndrome -a disease caused by having an extra or lack of chromosome. Down Syndrome, which is also known as Trisomy 21, can happen to anyone, and whoever has this disease is still human just like we all are and these people need our love, care and compassion. I have learned to love the children living in this NGO who were initially dumped by their parents/families because of their disease.
What would you say to another young person to encourage them to attend a short course?
This is a never-forgetting experience. You will never regret in your life that you had attended this Short Course. It inspires you and brings out the confidence you didn’t know you had towards development. You also have a connection of many friends living across the globe.
If you are a former participant and want to share your story contact us via email at outreach@togetherfordevelopment.com
