Posted by IMPORTANCE OF INTERNSHIP AT NGO
AUTHOR: HARSHITA RAI, B.A LLB Vth year, MODY UNIVERSITY, RAJASTHAN.
Gaining practical knowledge and experience is very essential in every profession but when it comes to the field of law, internships play a very vital role in the overall development of a law student. It not only gives us an opportunity for practical application of the classroom knowledge but also enhance our communicative skills, leadership quality, management skills etc. Legal internships are also very useful in gaining practical skills. Because of the above mentioned reasons legal internships are now even a part of academic curriculum.
But before applying for internships one must know their respective areas of interest since law, unlike others fields is not a confined subject rather it has its applicability over various sectors like NGOs, corporate law firms, public sector undertaking etc.
Here, I am throwing light on the importance of Internships at NGOs. I have my own interest in NGOs for a simple reason that I believe NGOs are an organ for bringing change in the society. If you work at an NGO you will get to know about the problems persisting in our society from a grass root level. Since NGOs are non profit organizations working for the welfare of society it helps to develop in us the skills of solving problems. Interning at NGOs might give you an opportunity to participate in the government discussions for solving various social, economic, or environmental issues. One more thing to keep in mind while applying for internships at NGO is to select your specific field where you want to work. Different NGOs deal with different areas of society that needs help. In case you are interested in empowering women and protecting their rights then you must apply in NGOs having similar goals and so on.
In my opinion NGOs are for every law student as it gives ample opportunity to know the real side of the society- the darker side which is often left untouched by the government agencies. Maybe that’s why it is suggested to do your first internship from NGO. NGOs are generally engaged with awareness programmes, surveys, demonstrations in media so these can make you turn into the leader of tomorrow. But one sad truth about working with NGOs is that you will not be able to make hefty money unlike other sectors of law which is an easy way of making money. But it will give you a sense of satisfaction which is worth working or interning in NGO. Interning at NGOs make you feel that you are an active member of society who is willing to contribute in making a difference in the present scenario.
Sharing my own experience, I twice got the opportunity to work with two of the most prestigious NGOs; ‘Make A Difference” and “Navjyoti India Foundation”. Navjyoti India Foundation is in Delhi and was started by 16 serving police officers of Delhi Police and conceived by Dr. Kiran Bedi. It was during my first internship when i realised that many sectors of society are still untouched. We went on several surveys including sanitation facility survey and educational qualification of members of families and I was taken aback to know that many villages in India are still not accustomed with the use of toilets and they still are not connected to major cities of our country, they are no supply of electricity and no schools. It is after this internship I realised that our government is just trying to uplift the already uplifted sectors. This first encounter of mine convinced me to do my second internship with ‘Make A Difference” organisation, where I was a volunteer and taught small kids and I was so contented with the job I was delivering that time.
I would like to finally conclude by saying that your area of interest is your choice but working with an NGO will definitely bring a great lot of change in your life. NGOs are not just for building your own career but building people so that they can have a right to live with dignity.
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