Activity Report_Female Student Internship Program COHORT III

FEMALE STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
(FSIP)
COHORT III
Hybrid/Juba
1st
October – 31st
December 2024
Reported by:
Susan Poni Waya
Program Officer

Cohort III Female Student Internship Program (FSIP)/ Hybrid/ 1st
October – 31st
December 2024
Female Student Internship Program (FSIP) 2024 2
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.............................................................................................................3
1.1. Methodology .............................................................................................................4
1.2. Description of Beneficiaries ....................................................................................4
2. Description of the Activity ......................................................................................5
2.1. Tasks..........................................................................................................................5
2.2. Interaction with Beneficiaries.................................................................................6
2.3. Evaluation of Activity by Beneficiaries...................................................................7
2.4. Beneficiaries’ Quotes...............................................................................................8
3. Evaluation of activity ..............................................................................................8
3.1. Main Achievements..................................................................................................8
3.2. Challenges and Lessons Learned ............................................................................9
3.3. Recommendations and Way forward ....................................................................9
3.4. Follow-up and Action Points.................................................................................10
4. Annexes .................................................................................................................10

October – 31st
December 2024
1. Introduction
We remain committed to our mission of building professional capacity and providing
much needed services to South Sudanese. The Female Student Internship Program
(FSIP) aligns with this mission by fostering leadership skills, self-confidence, and a
strong sense of civic responsibility for selected beneficiaries thus preparing them to
become agents of positive change and future leaders, contributing significantly to the
social and economic development of South Sudan.
The Female Internship Program is a transformative three-month initiative designed to
empower and nurture the leadership potential of young South Sudanese women in
their final year and those fresh out of college. Through a highly competitive selection
process, the program provides selected female students with hands-on experience
across various sectors, mentorship opportunities, skill development, and networking
platforms.
For the cohort three (III), four (04) students Poni Joy (Makerere University), Adut
Angilina Akech (Uganda Christian University), Esther Sitima (Catholic University of
South Sudan) and Konga Nuela (Makerere University) were selected from universities
in Uganda and South Sudan, after a rigorous review and assessment process. The
program commenced on 1st
October and ran through 31st
December 2024. Initially,
five (05) female students were shortlisted for interviews, and four (04) were admitted
into the program after meeting the necessary requirements from a pool of over thirty
(30) applications.
Objectives of the Activity
To enhance the leadership skills, self-confidence, and civic responsibility of four (04)
female South Sudanese finalist students or fresh graduates from higher institutions of
learning within and outside the country, equipping them to become influential change
agents and contributors to the nation's social, economic, and political development.
To provide the four (04) selected young women with a three-month hands-on
experience in our projects focus areas, coupled with mentorship and networking
opportunities, fostering their professional growth and preparing them for impactful
roles in their communities and beyond.

October – 31st
December 2024
1.1. Methodology
The recruiting methodologies employed included a call for applications advertised
across all our social media platforms. Interested candidates submitted applications
through a Google Form. The recruitment process was highly competitive, involving an
initial selection phase followed by conference call interviews and physical project
activity assignments. Out of the over thirty (30) applications received, 5 candidates
were shortlisted for interviews, and four (04) were selected for the internship
program. A combination of physical and online engagement methods was used during
the internship period. Interns actively participated in EFSS in-person and virtual
activities ensuring a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience.
1.2. Description of Beneficiaries
The target beneficiaries of this project are four (04) female South Sudanese students
from higher institutions of learning who were selected through a rigorous and
competitive process. Two of the interns were assigned the role of Communications
Associate including Konga Nuela and Adut Angelina Akech while the other two: Poni
Joy and Esther Sitima took the roles of the Project Coordinator and Logistics Assistant
respectively. These candidates were chosen based on their success in meeting all
selection criteria, demonstrating competence through oral interviews, and showing
strong potential to benefit from the program.
Intern, Esther Sitima during an in-person assignment at the Juba Primary Schools Mini Competition 2024

October – 31st
December 2024
Although the internship program was designed to be hybrid, all selected interns were
based in Juba, aligning with EFSS’s primary field of operations and the location of ongoing
projects. This proximity ensured their active participation and practical engagement in the
in-person program activities.
2. Description of the Activity
2.1. Tasks
During the internship, the selected interns were actively involved in implementing
some of our projects. Notable tasks included participating in the Juba Primary Schools
Mini Competition, Your Skill Boost, Book distribution and Community Outreach
Campaigns and awareness, managing project activities, and supporting partnerships
across multiple initiatives and different networking opportunities, they were also
involved in many soft skills training classes These activities provided the interns with
practical experience and opportunities to apply their leadership and project
management skills in real-world settings.
They were also tasked with participating in internal meetings and represented the
organization in cluster and partnership meetings. Capacity building through online self-
paced certificate courses in monitoring, evaluation, social media management, and
digital security classes.
Poni Joy presenting during a training group exercise in Juba

October – 31st
December 2024
2.2. Interaction with Beneficiaries
The selected interns actively engaged with their roles during the internship,
demonstrating a strong commitment to implementing EFSS projects. Their
participation included direct involvement in the project, execution, and collaboration
with various stakeholders, showcasing their enthusiasm and potential.
Feedback from the interns highlighted their understanding of the objectives and
appreciation for the learning opportunities provided. Initially, the interns were eager
to contribute to the organization’s activities, such as the Juba Schools Mini
Competitions and other partnership initiatives.
Their interaction with the projects offered valuable insights into project coordination
and communication strategies, aligning with the program’s goal of nurturing leadership
and practical skills. learning experiences were impactful, contributing to both the
interns' personal growth and the success of the activities.
Adut Angelina Akech at a presenting during her internship in Juba

October – 31st
December 2024
2.3. Evaluation of Activity by Beneficiaries
The interns expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the
EFSS Female Student Internship Program. They shared positive feedback regarding their
experiences.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the skills and insights gained during their time
with the organization.
They appreciated the support and guidance offered by the Program Manager. Their
feedback underscores the importance of maintaining structured support and consistent
engagement throughout the internship program to maximize its impact and sustainability.
“It was a great journey with different staff members and having the opportunity to explore and
learn different skills, my sincere gratitude to the program manager and supervisor who guided us
towards the achievements of the program,” says Konga Nuela.
Poni Joy and Konga Nuela during a training on safe social media use in Juba

October – 31st
December 2024
2.4. Beneficiaries’ Quotes
“I want to thank the board members and the staff at large for the opportunity that I had to
work with you, I had an amazing time and learnt a lot from you,” says Adut Angilina Akech
“It was a great journey with different staff members and having the opportunity to explore
and learn different skills,” says Konga Nuela
3. Evaluation of activity
3.1. Main Achievements
The third cohort of the Female Student Internship Program (FSIP) was a remarkable
success, as many of the selected interns demonstrated passion, eagerness to learn, and
a strong commitment to it.
They actively engaged in various tasks, completing them on time with expertise, and
excelled in reporting.
Their full involvement in organizational activities contributed to project achievements,
while their selfless participation in networking and growth opportunities earned
notable appreciation.
Adut Angelina awarded a certificate after a digital security training in Juba

October – 31st
December 2024
Konga Nuela during her internship exercise
This outcome demonstrates the program’s potential to make a significant difference in
individual participants' lives, even when faced with broader challenges.
3.2. Challenges and Lessons Learned
• One intern, Esther Sitima couldn’t complete the program as required because it
was hard for her to balance between assigned internship roles and schoolwork.
• We did not encounter significant challenges, as the interns managed to overcome
the difficulty of long distances.
• Key lessons learned include the importance of a rigorous selection process, close
supervision to ensure effective participation and performance, and the provision
of learning and networking opportunities to enhance their professional growth.
3.3. Recommendations and Way forward
• To improve future internship programs, I recommend implementing a more
rigorous recruitment process to ensure the selection of highly motivated and
capable candidates and providing structured mentorship and performance
evaluation to enhance intern engagement and productivity.

October – 31st
December 2024
3.4. Follow-up and Action Points
Below are some action points we can implement or follow-up to ensure a successful
project.
• Strengthen Recruitment: Enhance screening with a more robust criteria and
practical tests.
• Intern Engagement: Implement structured onboarding, regular mentorship, and
regular performance reviews.
• Program Improvement: Conduct evaluations and document lessons for future
enhancements.
4. Annexes
• Blog post for the Cohort III Female Student Internship Program:
https://medium.com/@excellencefoundationss/meet-finalists-for-our-female-student-
internship-program-third-cohort-e75787a8da65

Activity Report_Female Student Internship Program COHORT III

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