Hello, I am Edoardo from Italy, and I will tell you about my experience in CICD!
Starting from my “Why”…
I joined the College for International Co-operation and Development (CICD) programme because I wanted to gain hands-on experience in international volunteering, personal growth, and community development by improving my English. This opportunity allowed me to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone, and contribute to meaningful projects abroad.
The project that I joined focuses on spreading information about HIV prevention and treatment, supporting local communities through sustainable development initiatives, education, and cultural exchange. The aim was to empower local people by working with them rather than for them, creating long-term positive impact for all the community.
My Role in the Volunteering Project
During my time in the project, I was working as part of a team to achieve the goals of the project, helping the local Clinic in Katete, a rural village in Zambia, Africa, to expand awareness to HIV positive people to give them a chance to live a normal and happy life.
I was participating in different activities such as community support work, saving groups, teens club, and practical daily activities within the local environment.
The Training Period in England
Before the project itself, I spent 3 months in CICD, in England. This period in the school helped me develop both practical and personal skills. I improved my ability to communicate in multicultural environments, to work in a team, and to manage challenges with a positive mindset. These skills were essential in helping me adapt quickly and contribute effectively during the project.
Future and Next Steps
This experience has had a strong impact on how I see my future. It helped me become more independent, resilient, and open-minded. I now feel more confident in pursuing international opportunities and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
Why you should join CICD
If I need to tell you all the reasons I would never stop to write!
So I will give you 3 good reasons (excluding “because you will work for a better world” because it’s too easy), so that you can explore all your others reasons by yourself during your project.
1. It provides valuable hands-on experience in real community projects
2. It helps you develop important life skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and communication
3. It offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and cultural exchange that you cannot easily find elsewhere.
Overall, CICD has been a transformative experience. It challenged me, taught me a lot, and gave me a new perspective on global cooperation and development. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and life-changing experience.
