“I wanted to take part in a project that allowed me to discover a foreign culture as well as having an impact. Team works! offered me both.“
Jonas Bergdolt is 29 and lives in Bietigheim-Bissingen. A young data scientist, his internship was at Aunt Kevin Primary School in Nkokonjeru, Uganda, where he helped set up a computer room. In our interview, he shares his thoughts about his time on the programme.
Das Interview
Where was your internship and what were your main tasks?

I was at the Aunt Kevin Primary School in Nkokonjeru, which is attended by children aged between 4 and 13.
We helped them set up a computer room. Afterwards, we showed the students and teachers the sorts of things you can don with a computer, things like educational games, word processing and web searches.
What did you learn during your internship - be it from your colleagues, line managers or other people? And what knowledge were you able to pass on?
I learned how important it is to familiarise yourself with the local culture and lifestyle before you start working. Life in Uganda is very different to Germany so some of the priorities are different.
In terms of my knowledge, I was able to pass on my computer skills. Even some of the more experienced teachers had never used a computer so we had to start from scratch.

Why did you choose Team works! and the AGYO?
I wanted to take part in a project that allowed me to discover a foreign culture as well as having an impact. Team works! offered me both.
What surprised you most?
The biggest surprise was when the winning team at a school sports day won a real live bull and then chased it across the playing field. Inconceivable in Germany!

What were the advantages of being in a tandem team with a senior expert?
The SES expert who accompanied me had already been to Uganda on previous SES assignments so he was able to give me a realistic idea of the situation there.
Being a former headmaster, he also knew about how schools work and shared his knowledge with me. Combining our knowledge like that meant we were able to provide the maximum level of support.
I’m also really glad we got on so well on a personal level too.
What would be your advice for other young people interested in an internship abroad?
See it as a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into a foreign society.
Working with locals at the school and living in a Ugandan family were particularly helpful for getting to know the locals, how they live and their customs in a way that would never have been possible as a tourist.

Name three things you’ve taken away from your internship.
- An understanding of Ugandan culture.
- The knowledge that many things can be tackled in a completely different way and it still works!
- On the technical side of things - how to cope with the challenges that arise when you can only access the internet via a mobile phone network.
What will you never forget?
The many fascinating and enriching encounters I had with locals, the delicious food and the kanzu, a traditional robe for men, which I was given as a goodbye present.

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