Before arriving in Cape Town, South Africa, we had different expectations but shared the same hope: that this
internship would help us grow both personally and professionally. We looked forward to learning
more about social entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and how real change happens on the
ground. Although we were aware that we were stepping into a very different cultural context, the
reality still came as a bit of a shock. We both experienced the adjustment differently, Hanna felt
overwhelmed by the many new impressions and needed time to find her rhythm, while Martine
found it unfamiliar to adapt to a new lifestyle, context, and culture. It took us both some time to
settle in and establish routines, but gradually we found our footing and began embracing our new
environment with openness and curiosity.

Our first impressions of South Africa and the gold-youth team were marked by warmth, energy,
and strong purpose. The team welcomed us with curiosity and kindness, and we felt like part of
something meaningful from the beginning. Working with youth and communities gave us an
entirely new insight into what it means to empower others. Through observations, workshops,
and conversations, we witnessed how the gold-youth model creates lasting impact. What moved
us most were the personal stories shared by the facilitator interns, who had once been part of
gold-youth’s programs themselves. Their openness and vulnerability created a powerful space,
one where others felt safe to share as well. In that moment, we were reminded of the true power
of connection and purpose, and gained a deeper perspective on the real impact gold-youth has.

The internship pushed us out of our comfort zones. Being in a new context meant constantly
reflecting on our own assumptions. We had to be patient, open, and willing to listen before we
acted. Through this, we developed a much deeper cultural sensitivity and greater respect for
alternative ways of doing things. We also learned a lot about ourselves, and one of the biggest
takeaways was realizing how important it is to slow down and take the time to build trust. We
had to let go of the need to always be productive or efficient, and instead focus on being present
and truly listening. That shift helped us become more patient, adaptable, and aware of the value
of relationship-building in meaningful work. It showed us that real change doesn’t come from
quick fixes or top-down strategies, but from listening, sharing, and creating space for youth to
lead. It gave us a broader global perspective and made us reflect more on what social
entrepreneurship actually looks like

Looking forward, we both hope to carry this experience with us into our personal and
professional lives, using what we’ve learned to navigate future challenges with greater
awareness, empathy, and confidence. To anyone considering a similar internship: say YES. It will
challenge you, inspire you, and leave a lasting impact in ways you can’t fully anticipate.
If we had to describe our internship in one sentence, it would be:
“A meaningful, challenging, and eye-opening journey of learning, connection, and growth.”