My experience at CEED Concordia
December 14, 2023
My experience at CEED Concordia
December 14, 2023
This article was written by Sean Thomas Ongaya Onen – Environmental Sustainability Project Intern, 2023.
Hello, I’m Sean Thomas Ongaya Onen, a Biosystems Engineer from Gulu university registered with the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers. In May 2023, I embarked on a rewarding adventure with CEED Concordia, where I had the privilege of working on CEED’s environmental sustainability project in Gulu for three months till 31st August.
CEED Concordia is a not-for-profit organization operating in Montreal, Canada and Gulu, Uganda and it offers Concordia and Ugandan students an opportunity to contribute to sustainable community projects in northern Uganda for 3-month internships during the summer semester.
? Part 1: Joining the Team
I joined a dynamic team of six interns, all sharing a commitment to environmental sustainability. Together, we tackled project planning, implementation, and evaluation, making every day a learning experience.
? Part 2: Impactful Workshops
Our mission was to educate the younger generation, and we did just that. We designed and delivered workshops on plastic waste management, composting, and tree planting to nursery, primary, and secondary schools. Highlights included our partnership with Takataka Plastics for PlastiSkul and Kijani Forestry for tree planting, where we trained a total of 2392 students for PlastiSkul, 349 for composting, and 327 for tree planting.
? Part 3: Tree Monitoring and Evaluation
In addition to our workshops, I led a dedicated team in monitoring trees in 16 schools, totaling 1146 trees. Ensuring their growth was a vital part of our mission.
? Part 4: Beyond Work
But it wasn’t all work. We had a memorable excursion to Fort Patiko, engaged in a team building activity at the recreation project, and enjoyed fun nights with our colleagues. These experiences brought depth to our journey and strengthened our bonds.
? Part 5: Skill Development
This journey wasn’t just about making an impact; it was about personal growth. I developed skills in project management, public speaking, research, and hands-on training in environmental practices, setting a solid foundation for my future in Biosystems Engineering.
? Conclusion
My time with CEED Concordia was transformative. From sustainability projects to unforgettable experiences, it was a journey I’ll cherish. Here’s to a sustainable future and many more adventures in Biosystems Engineering!
