Celebrating the Journeys of Our Former Interns: A Reflection on Their Experience at Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone

At Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone, our internship program aims to nurture the next generation of human rights advocates and equip them with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to make meaningful change.

Over the years, we’ve been privileged to host many talented young people as interns who have contributed passionately to our mission. This Month, we celebrate the inspiring journeys of five former interns and share their reflections on their time with us.

For these young advocates, their internship at HRDN Sierra Leone was more than just a temporary role — it was a transformative experience that shaped their understanding of human rights issues and their roles as change-makers.

“My internship experience at the Human Rights Defenders Network S/L was both critical and transformative, as it gave me the opportunity to apply theoretical and knowledge from my social work studies into the world practice particularly in the area of advocacy, client support and Human Rights protection,” Eustacia Norman a final year student from the Social Works Department, Fourah Bay College said.

she further added that the experience exposed her to some of the violence, injustice and systemic barriers faced by the vulnerable community.

Through engaging in advocacy campaigns, participating in capacity-building workshops, and working directly with communities, they gained a profound appreciation for the complexities and importance of defending rights.

The interns unanimously agree that one of the most rewarding aspects of their internship was witnessing the tangible impact of their work. Whether it was mobilizing community awareness, participating in advocacy meetings, or witnessing policy discussions influenced by their efforts, these moments reinforced their commitment to human rights.

Onikeh Ogun another Social Works student mentioned that the most rewarding things about their internship experience was seeing how their efforts directly impact the activities of those who risk their safety to protect others.

“Whether through documenting issues, assisting in advocacy or raising awareness this made me feel that my work was meaningful, and it was inspiring to learn from their resilience, and it strengthened my own commitment to promoting justice and equality,” she added.

Their advice to future interns echoes a shared message: stay curious, be proactive, and remember that your voice matters. The internship serves as a steppingstone, and every experience contributes to personal and professional growth.

As these interns move forward into new chapters of their lives, we at Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone remain proud of their achievements and grateful for their dedication. Their experiences exemplify the impact of investing in youth and future leaders committed to justice.

We thank them for their invaluable contributions and look forward to seeing how they will continue to advocate for human rights in their communities and beyond.