This month, nine students from University of Oslo and one from Université Paris 8 recently concluded an impactful internship with the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (PMNCH) and Center for Sustainable Healthcare Education (SHE). Our group embarked on a journey that not only enriched our academic and professional lives but also culminated in an unforgettable trip to Geneva.
Internship at World Health Organization
This internship, which ran from November to June, allowed us to work with Women's, Children's and Adolescent's Health (PMNCH), a partnership under the World Health Organization (WHO), to collate crucial information on women's, children's, and adolescent health. Our trip began on June 9th, when we traveled to Geneva, uncertain of what we should expect. Upon arrival, we gathered at Auberge de Savièse where we had the opportunity to meet each other officially while enjoying traditional Swiss fondue. After dinner, the students broke off into groups to put final touches on their presentations, help one another choose presentation outfits, and rest.
Presenting research at WHO headquarters
June 10th was a pivotal day. Dressed in our best attire, we headed to the WHO headquarters by bus for a full-day workshop. This workshop was a unique chance to learn about the broader aims and goals of PMNCH and to present the findings we had gathered over the past seven months. We interacted with key figures, including our focal points who had guided us through the internship, leadership, and influential experts in the field. Amongst those were Hester Mkwinda Nyasulu, the country director of Malawi from AMREF and Griselda Serra from One Big Robot, who discussed the digital design aspects of the compendium. These interactions not only validated our hard work but also provided insights into the real-world impact of our efforts.
The workshop was a resounding success, solidifying our understanding of our contributions to the digital compendium of commitments from ten countries to women's, children's, and adolescent health. The students agreed that having positive feedback from Amy Reid, the PMNCH internship coordinator, meant a lot to us. The workshop ended on a high note, leaving us inspired and motivated.
Discover the city of Geneva
Before dinner, a few of us took a leisurely walk through Parc de la Perle du Lac, marveling at the beauty of Lake Léman. After expecting rain and clouds, we were gifted surprisingly sunny weather to better enjoy the view and outdoor art installations.
In the evening, we dined at Little India, enjoying a feast of lamb, seafood, chicken, rice, paneer, and various curries. This dinner was not just about food but also about appreciation. We presented gifts to our program coordinators, Ida and Hilda, thanking them for their dedication and support. As the first cohort in this internship program, we recognized the effort it took to ensure a positive and productive experience.
Later, the students walked by the lake and visited Place du Bourg de Four for a drink and conversation, where we marveled at how well the group enjoyed each other and exchanged contact information.
Why the Red Cross matters
On June 11th, our final day in Geneva, we visited the International Red Cross Museum. For three hours, we were immersed in powerful exhibitions that showcased the Red Cross's efforts in maintaining familial connections during wars and genocides and their role in monitoring wartime legalities. The exhibitions, featuring art and photography, provided a poignant reminder of the Red Cross's global impact and the resilience of humanity.
After this emotional and educational experience, we made our returns home. We all left Geneva with not just professional growth but also lasting friendships and stronger connections with each other.
An internship for life
This internship provided us with invaluable insights into global health, practical experience in a prestigious organization, and the joy of forming meaningful relationships. The trip to Geneva was the culmination of months of hard work, making our efforts tangible and profoundly real.
As students, we have been so grateful to have this opportunity and to be able to pilot this internship program with UiO and the WHO. It was the greatest pleasure to get to know so much about one another — Sabiha’s massively attended wedding, Grace’s love for her baby daughter, Frida‘s time studying French in Montpellier, Pernille’s engagement, Minji’s many school degrees, Hilde’s stories from Bergen, Ida’s move to a new home, the story of how Sofie’s parents met, Sochi’s piano playing by the lake, and the story of Antonia’s arrival in Oslo from Dubai were all moments that we have all taken with us after this trip. We all look forward to an opportunity to get to know Melese and Anine in person, as they were greatly missed! We are so grateful to Ida, Hilde, Trine, Marcela, Amy, Maria, and all others that’s made this possible.
This internship journey was a significant chapter in our lives.
Until next time, til neste gang, and à la prochaine,
The UiO-PMNCH interns
(Written by Janessa Sochima Aneke)
Collaboration between WHO and Centre for Sustainable Healthcare Education
Here you can read more about this unique collaboration: Scholarships for collaborative projects with the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH)