“Every culture, every country has its own processes and ways of moving forward and developing. That has to be respected and understood!”

Now 31, Yudy is a qualified non-profit organisation manager. When she did her Team works! internship, she was working in the Latin America department at Brot für die Welt. Currently, she’s a volunteer with PBI (Peace Brigades International) in Mexico. Yudy’s Team works! Internship was at the Maisha Capacity Development Opportunity (MCDO) NGO, which has its headquarters in the Babati district of Tanzania’s Manyara region. She shared her thoughts about her internship, which she did as part of a tandem team with an SES expert.

Das Interview

Hi Yudy! Can you tell us what your main tasks were during your internship in Tanzania?

My role included supporting my tandem partner’s work and familiarising myself with the structure of the organisation. I observed how the organisation conducted projects and I made recommendations about how its internal processes could be organised more efficiently. I was also able to explain how they could get donations and financial support from other organisations.

What did you learn from your colleagues, line managers or other people?

During my time in Babati, I learned that there are other ways of working and other, simpler perspectives on life. Despite the difficulties they face, the people have a sense of inner peace and the importance of family. They have a lot of potential to develop and grow as a society but they still depend on support and advice from outside because they lack confidence.

Six people are sitting at a long table that has empty but used plates on it. Yudy is sitting close to the camera. She is pouring something into her glass and smiling at the camera.
Yudy enjoyed spending time with her colleagues doing things like eating together. The pizza they had for dinner the day before she left for home was the first one ever for some of her colleagues!

And what knowledge were you able to pass on?

There were three specific things I was able to share with the organisation. First, I explained how to draw up a funding application to submit to Brot für die Welt and I showed them the PHINEO ool. I also taught them how to put together a PowerPoint presentation and I advised two colleagues who wanted to apply for the AGYO programme. In less formal conversations with colleagues from the organisation, I shared my own personal experience of the migration and adaptation process in Germany. I told them about life in Columbia and Germany too, as well as the many things Latin Americans and Africans have in common, including many cultural aspects. I think I managed to show them a little bit about how many social aspects work and have developed in other countries, including matters to do with religion or women’s role in society.

Why did you choose Team works! and the AGYO?

Because it was the only programme I found that offers a cultural exchange in Africa for young people, combined with the opportunity to shadow an experienced professional. I think the tandem programme is a very interesting way for old and young to learn from each other. The different perspectives help you understand other generations a little better.

What were the advantages of being in a tandem team with an SES senior expert?

I learned a lot from the experience my tandem partner has accumulated during his work in various African countries. He took my opinion into account in all decisions and we shared thoughts at the end of each training session. He also gave me a lot of freedom to decide what I wanted to do in the organisation. This approach boosted my confidence when it came to developing ideas and creating my own presentations with which to support the organisation’s work.

What surprised you most?

The thing that made the biggest impression on me was meeting various ethnic groups such as the Massai and the fact that they continue to carry out practices that violate human rights such as female and male genital mutilation. I found their sacrificial practices and their rituals with animals quite interesting. This experience made me think a lot about the ancient traditions of indigenous groups in Latin America, which are based on a close relationship with nature and respect for other living beings. However, the bonds I saw in the Tanzanian communities was different and actually shocked me a little.

Nine people are standing in a row, facing the camera. Yudy is standing on the outer left. Only one of the other people is read as male. Most of the people read as female are wearing a certain type of skirt made of lots of thin strands. Two are wearing a h
Yudy (left) visiting the Datooga people. Originally nomads, this group has settled in the Manyara reion in recent years.

What would be your advice for other young people interested in an assignment abroad?

It’s a marvellous opportunity to develop an understanding of other lifestyles and cultures and an awareness of people’s situations in other contexts. Young people have a major responsibility to act as agents for positive change in society. One way is to understand and respect other people and their cultural differences, outlooks and ideas about life.

What three things have you taken away from your internship?

First, people’s hospitality and friendliness. The fact that the focus is on family and that family is the driving force that motivates people. The composure with which people deal with situations - they always have a smile on their face, no matter how difficult the situation. An extremely laid-back culture that relishes the small but important things in life  - like food. I was really surprised how important food is for them. They’re very good cooks and really appreciate food.

We don’t know much about African countries in Colombia but when I was in Tanzania I realised we have a lot in common in terms of culture and cuisine. I realised how important it is to know and understand our history. Everything that happened in past centuries can help us understand the reasons for many of the dynamics we see in our societies today.

Every culture, every country has its own processes and ways of moving forward and developing. That has to be respected and understood. If we want to support the work done in these countries, we have to adjust it to their needs and working methods. In Tanzania, for instance, the time taken to complete something is different than in Germany. From a German perspective, people would think they’re slower. But I learned that that’s the way they work.

A group of ten people are standing in a row, striking playful poses like spreading their arms in the air or making the peace sign. They seem to be moving and dancing around. They are all smiling at the camera.
Yudy (third from left) and the SES expert (sixth from left) with their colleagues shortly before leaving.

What will you never forget?

My visit to Tarangire Park was one of the best experiences of my entire stay - seeing the wild animals in their own habitat and the fact that they’ve got used to tourist visits. It made me realise how easily animals can get used to living with people. We should learn from that!

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