I have been to Mozambique 3 times now. This country will always hold a special place in my heart. Mozambique helped foster my love for Africa, solidified my love for traveling, and my yearning to help develop communities. My fist two trips were to volunteer at an orphanage and fundraise money for the local hospital in Beira to buy bed sheets for the HIV/TB ward. Both experiences helped me realize how impactful one person can be. My third trip was to do an internship at the US embassy in Maputo. I was the Public Affairs intern at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique. In the Public Affairs section, I supported the embassy's online social media content, education exchange programs, outreach events, and the American Culture Center. My main duties included supporting the US Education Exchange programs. I learned that the culture, organizational structure, and mission of the State Department is not for me. USAID would be a much better fit for me. I was also able to meet former Peace Corps volunteers and to learn more about their experience and that helped me do some more in depth consideration about joining the Peace Corp after graduation.
Before starting my internship, I spent some time volunteering at Oasis Mozambique by writing a grant proposal. I also volunteered with a local organization called Mezimbite. Through Oasis Mozambique I experienced the challenges of language as a barrier because in Mozambique the official language is Portuguese. There is an Oasis partner organization in Zimbabwe but their official language is English which severely hinders their ability to collaborate on community development projects. At Mezimbite I experienced an organization that was dependent on one person to function which hinders organizational growth as well as investment in the community and workers.
My favorite quote is by Nelson Mandela: "there is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living". I discovered this quote when I was in Cape Town and have been inspired by it ever since. These past 4 years have been a transformative experience where I have learned to fight for what I want and to trust my gut and to protect my values. My summer abroad in Mozambique was a new and challenging experience. I was an intern in the Public Affairs Office in the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique. The Public Affairs Office engages domestic and international media to communicate information with the goal of furthering U.S. foreign policy as well as broadening understanding of American values. As an intern some of my responsibilities were to review education exchange applications, to attend public affair events with office staff and the Ambassador, to interview exchange candidates, and to facilitate English Club meetings. During my time I had the chance to travel to other parts of the country.
Through my work of reviewing education exchange applications and interviewing candidates I learned about the impact of the US exchange programs. There are different types of exchange programs that can focus on education or professional development which are all aimed at cultural exchange and creating change. I was also able to facilitate a few English Club meetings. One discussion meeting focused on the current drought situation in Mozambique and the aid that the US government was providing to the Mozambican government. At this time, it was discovered the Mozambican government had taken out secret loans and officials had embezzled the money. This discussion led to their views about their government, development aid, and how they can improve their community and country. This led to me learning more about US-Mozambican relationship and to learn more about other people's views.
My trip to Mozambique was my first trip abroad as an adult. Through my experiences I gained confidence in myself to be able to work abroad and to navigate in a country where I don't speak the language. I also traveled around the country to a few well-known vacation destinations where I booked my own flight and stayed at a hostel. During this time my bank decided to deactivate my debit card and send me a new one - all without telling me. This caused a lot of problems with cash flow, especially in a cash economy. Fortunately, before leaving for my trip I brought cash with me and was able to get by with my credit card. I also realized that I need to be more self-aware and aware of my surroundings. I had the misfortune of having my purse stolen which contained my wallet, passport, and phone. Through this experience I filed a police report, went to the market to try to find my phone, applied for a new passport, and went to the Mozambican immigration office to get an exit visa. I received help from the embassy and the services that they offer to Americans abroad.
My experiences have prepared me for an international career in development. My trip to Mozambique reminded me why I love to travel and the love that I have for Africa. As I graduate in May I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal.