Photo: USAID/Virginia Foley
Interns Nur-Ain Mohamad, Samera
Bari, and Farrah Hadji listen intently
for lessons on how government
works
"It’s wonderful. I’m hoping that this opportunity will grow so that my brother and sister Muslims can participate.”
- Cairon Ali, intern
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Initiative
The Philippine Government and USAID are placing special
focus on the conflict areas of Mindanao in an attempt to
accelerate economic growth and promote peace. USAID, in
partnership with the Speaker of the Philippines House of
Representatives, recently launched a congressional internship
program bringing recent graduates from universities in the
conflict-affected areas of Mindanao to Manila for the
opportunity to acquire hands-on experience in the legislative
process.
The participants, mostly from remote provinces, are identified
as future leaders by university chancellors, thesis advisors, and
political and civic leaders. Many of those eligible for the
program have completed graduate degrees in mass
communications and public administration, and have volunteer
experience with local governments and non-governmental
organizations. During the four month internship, each is
assigned to a specific House committee, subcommittee, or
office, and is introduced to a broad range of national issues.
Results
The interns are excited about their unique opportunity to learn
how government works from the inside, and to share their
view with Philippine policy makers. Program graduates
believe that their improved understanding of government will
allow them to contribute more effectively to the development
of their home provinces. While expanding their knowledge of
how decisions are made in the Congress, they have shared
Muslim concerns with key lawmakers and thereby increased
understanding of Muslim culture. The initial success of the
program has prompted USAID and the Philippines House of
Representatives to extend it. Current plans are to
offer internships to at least thirty young Muslim
scholars each year.
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