On July 22, 2024, I received an acceptance letter to undertake my internship at SOLON Capital Partners in Accra, Ghana. Traveling from Kigali, Rwanda, to Accra on July 29, 2024, I embarked on this professional journey with excitement and a bit of apprehension.
Despite my previous experience working with various organizations and agencies, this was my first time working in a predominantly white company, reporting directly to a Caucasian (white) manager. While initially unsettled by the thought, I stayed focused and committed to my core professional principles: concentrating on my tasks, being attentive, asking questions when in doubt, working hard, and maintaining clear communication.
My first day at work turned out to be one of the highlights of my internship. I was warmly welcomed by the team and my boss, receiving hugs and a welcome card and engaging in light conversations that eased my initial nerves. My manager provided me with documents to review, both physically and via email, explaining their purpose and encouraging me to familiarize myself with the company’s mission, core values, and ongoing community projects. This introduction helped me feel confident and prepared for the tasks ahead.
The following day, I began my first assignment: researching nine African countries—Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria (Port Harcourt), Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Senegal, and Cameroon—where the organization planned to establish football initiatives for children aged 5–12. My research focused on identifying agencies, companies, and foundations that support grassroots football and align with SOLON’s goals.
A key contribution I made was developing a curriculum for staff and coaches involved in the football initiative. Since the program was new, the curriculum outlined the structure of each session, provided information on football and leadership, and emphasized the broader benefits of the sport as a career path. This was designed to help children see football not only as a game but as a life-changing opportunity, while also equipping coaches to deliver impactful training sessions.
Throughout the internship, I continuously researched aid agencies, sponsorship opportunities, and international funding programs, focusing on grassroots football, gender equality, and primary school-aged participants. My tasks included identifying application deadlines, sponsorship requirements, and contact information for key leaders in relevant organizations and ministries. This detailed research was instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of SOLON’s football initiative.
In addition to research, I made a significant impact by creating policies and safeguarding frameworks for the company. This included drafting a comprehensive safeguarding policy and a commitment form for staff members. I incorporated insights from international safeguarding standards, adapting them to fit cultural and organizational contexts. This experience deepened my understanding of policy creation and highlighted the importance of ensuring inclusivity and safety in community-focused projects.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was working directly with my manager and receiving constructive feedback on my findings and contributions. Starting as a researcher, I expanded my role to include policy development and strategic planning. Each task taught me valuable lessons about professionalism, adaptability, and the impact of cultural diversity in a workplace.
My internship at SOLON Capital Partners was a transformative experience. I enhanced my research, policy development, and project planning skills and grew personally by stepping out of my comfort zone and thriving in a diverse work environment. The welcoming and inclusive culture at SOLON allowed me to learn and contribute meaningfully, leaving me with a sense of accomplishment and readiness for future challenges.
By Dorcas L.
