I had my summer internship with Social Impact-USAID Learns in Hanoi, Vietnam. I was part of  their monitoring and research teams. The highlight of my time there was leading a “data party” or a participatory data analysis session. I also facilitated a “Learns is Learning” session on how to integrate the concept of decolonizing development into their work. USAID Learns is indeed a learning and adaptive organization. I witnessed how they use Collaboration, Learning and Adapting approaches to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of projects. There I saw the importance of facilitating and moderating effectively – how to encourage active participation from everyone. I think this skill is increasingly needed today in development, ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are ingrained in the work that we do. Moreover, as part of their activities, they made me take the StrengthsFinder test and my top one strength is – as if the stars have aligned – Learner!

[caption id="attachment_5566" align="alignleft" width="300"] Facilitating a “Data Party” session with Vietnam Learns.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5565" align="alignleft" width="300"] A Learns is Learning session on Decolonizing Development.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5567" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Learns Team.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5568" align="alignleft" width="225"] Weekend warrior moment at Halong bay![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5569" align="alignleft" width="300"] Birthday karaoke with the Team.[/caption]