The six-week immersive experience with Who is Hussain in Hong Kong has been a transformative journey that has left a profound impact on me both personally and professionally. As I reflect on the challenges faced and the learning points gained throughout this internship, I am filled with a sense of gratitude, growth, and determination to continue making a difference in the community.

Learning points

One of the most significant learning points from this experience has been the power of tailored and community-focused initiatives in driving meaningful change. The emphasis on understanding and addressing local needs, as highlighted during "The Academy" sessions, has shaped my approach to service and event planning. By researching and identifying key issues in Hong Kong such as refugee support, environmental conservation, and aging population challenges, I have learned the importance of aligning initiatives with the specific needs of the community to maximise impact.

Collaboration and partnership building have also emerged as crucial skills learnt during this internship. Working closely with local NGOs like Dream Compassioneer and governmental departments such as the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department has underscored the significance of unity and shared purpose in creating sustainable solutions to complex social issues. The successful coordination of events and initiatives with diverse stakeholders has reinforced the value of teamwork, communication, and strategic planning in driving positive outcomes.  

Another takeaway from this internship has been the importance of extensive organisation required to run a global NGO effectively. The level of coordination and planning needed to orchestrate events across various locations while maintaining the integrity of the organisation's values is truly impressive. The way Who is Hussain ensured all its volunteers across the 90 cities followed the same structure and approach to everything, from event planning to social media posts, through “The Academy” online platform, was truly impressive. 

Challenges

From navigating logistical hurdles to communicating with various stakeholders, I have encountered obstacles that have tested my resilience and problem-solving skills. For instance, communicating required during the clothes drive. The back and forth of arrangements between us, Dream Compassioneers, the schools, the sorting location and the Refugee Union, it was all a little overwhelming. Or when we had to change our beach clean up location several times and be in contact with multiple people from different departments, canceling and rearranging, calls and emails, it could get stressful at times.

Yet, it is through overcoming these challenges that I have grown both professionally and personally, learning to adapt, persevere, and innovate in the face of adversity. There’s always a first for everything. Witnessing the impact of our efforts, whether through distributing food packages to refugees or cleaning up a polluted beach, has evoked a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, reinforcing my commitment to service and advocacy.

The future

As I look ahead to my continued role as the Events Manager at Who is Hussain in Hong Kong, I am filled with a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm to address the countless challenges faced by the community. Building on the foundations laid during the immersive experience, I am eager to explore new avenues of impact, design innovative initiatives, and forge lasting partnerships to drive positive change in Hong Kong.

This internship has been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and service that has equipped me with invaluable skills, insights, and a renewed sense of purpose. I am grateful for the opportunities, the mentorship, and the experiences that have shaped me during these six weeks, and I am committed to continuing my journey with Who is Hussain to create a more compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable future for all members of the Hong Kong community.