Julia's experience with Inkululeko

Witten by: Julia Henck

Inkululeko struck my interest because of its name. The listing, posted on handshake, with its colorful sunshine logo, was eye-catching. The word Inkululeko, both written down and spoken aloud, has an elegance and juxtaposition that you don’t see in the English language. The name, uniquely inviting, caught my attention, but Inkululeko’s devotion to education as freedom is why I decided to apply.

As the daughter of an English professor, granddaughter of a teacher, and member of a family where storytelling and debate flow through our veins, I have always been surrounded by teachers, students, and everything in between. With two working parents, after school programs, tutors, and academic guidance programs like Inkululeko were always a big part of my life. It was my after school teacher and close friend, Miss Joanne, who taught me to love reading, showed me how to spell, and led me to help other students. My math tutor, Miss Dawn, taught me to keep trying new methods and ideas when stuck on a problem, and it was thanks to a community program called Higher Education that guided me through the college application process. To me, interning at Inkululeko allowed me to give back to all of the people and programs that helped guide me through my education.

Not only did Inkululeko have sentimental meaning to me as a non-profit educational organization, but it was also an opportunity for me to learn about the day-to-day function of non-profits, the process of writing grant applications, and the history of South Africa. Inkululeko was flexible and welcomed all of my ideas and questions. If I didn’t know something (and there were a lot of things I didn’t know), I could always talk to my supervisor Jason Torreano, my mentor Corley Doyle, or other interns through WhatsApp or email. We met once a week to share progress on our projects, feedback, and ideas, and even though everyone was based in different states, I really enjoyed being able to talk to and work with my peers as a team. With the support of my supervisor, my mentor, and the other interns I was able to complete the 200 hour requirement for my field work term, maintain my part time job, and spend time at home with my family.

Although I didn’t work directly with students in Makhanda, I got to learn about the other side of non-profit work - organizing, grant applications, and communications work. There would be no Inkululeko classroom without the interns who apply for grants and funds. I don’t know what my career will be, but I have always loved learning and helping people, and Inkululeko was the perfect intersection of these passions.