Developing Leaders During Covid-19
By Laxmi Gurung, Refugee Youth Manager
One of the biggest parts of the summer trimester here at Mission Adelante has always been the summer internship. The goal of our summer internship is to develop young leaders, and it includes lots of team building activities such as working together, serving in community, going on trips, and studying the Bible together. This year we didn't know how to start the internship while the pandemic was happening around us, but after lots of thinking and prayers we finally came up with the plan of inviting a few interns and focusing on the existing programs at Mission Adelante.
Phul Maya Rasaily and I were really excited to invite the girls because we already had a few in mind. We picked Kanchan, Mumu, and Prabina, because we saw their willingness to learn about Jesus, their serving hearts for others, and the leadership skills they displayed in the Refugee Youth Club. Throughout the summer they helped us set up for the programs, lead programs, and they even helped us sanitize and clean everything! We also served at Adelante Thrift and Giving the Basics twice because they love helping others. There were times they stepped up and led the bible stories and activities for the kids. I felt so proud of them for their dedication and how much they grew as young leaders.
I asked them to share their experiences of summer internship in one paragraph. Here you can read what they wrote:
Kanchan- “My experience during internships was really good. I got to learn more about God and it helped me to become closer to Him. The internship also taught me so many things that I should know in life as a leader. I learned that being a leader is not easy. There were times I felt discouraged when the kids were not listening or doing what they were supposed to do. But from those experiences, I was able to be there for them and guide them well to make the right choices. I loved how the internship allowed me to meet other people and kids from different places. I got an opportunity to know them and their backgrounds. I also got to share mine with them. After the internship, I could see my potential of being a leader and what means to serve others. Internship felt like a home where I had so much fun and met people that really cared about me like my own family. This is the experience that would always stay with me no matter where I go in my life. “
Prabina- “My experience as an intern was amazing. I got to be with the kids which I love the most. I also got to know myself more. My favorite part of being an intern was spending time eating with two other interns. It was a really good time and we got to know each other more through our deep conversations. I feel like I was able to get to know them closely and build strong friendships with them. I always had so much fun being around them because I could share anything without being judged by them. I also got closer to Jesus and learned more about him. I learned how to be a better leader by playing with kids and teaching them the bible stories. I also got to learn about leadership from Phul and Laxmi and see how much hard work they put into to welcome kids and organize the activities for them. I loved how everyone was helping one another and caring for each other. They all became like a family to me.”
MuMu- The decision I made to be part of the summer internships has been one of the best decisions I made in my life. Because of the summer internship it helped me personally to know God and what means to serve others. It also helped me to develop my working skills with children and how to care for them. I learned that working with children needs lots of patience and love. At the beginning of the internship, I felt hesitant because we had to wake up early but every time I got there I wouldn't change it for the world! I loved doing fun activities with the kids and reading them the Bible stories. Being able to be in an environment where we were able to learn and teach about God freely was an amazing experience. I am very glad and thankful to be part of this summer internship.
Volunteer Orientation - September 12th + 14th
We want to invite you to volunteer with us during the fall trimester! Come join us for a socially-distanced orientation on Mission Adelante, September 12th and 14th. You can register here: MissionAdelante.org/orientation
Are you curious what it looks like to volunteer at Mission Adelante?