by Faeza Jariwala (Post graduate Student, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Maharaja Saiyajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat and AWAG intern)
After due interactions between my faculty head and AWAG’s Secretary Ms Sara Baldiwala, my internship for a month’s duration was confirmed. This provided an opportunity for me to learn the broad concepts related to the organization’s ongoing mental health programme with dalit and Muslim communities in the slums of east Ahmedabad.
The field work gave me an exposure on the grassroot realities that exist thereby changing my perceptions regarding people and their conditions.
On the conceptual front I learnt about mental health illness, awareness about it among communities, basic knowledge about counselling and skills of a counsellor through field visits undertaken.
Alongside, the organization’s team that I was associated with also guided me on personal growth aspects such as punctuality, sensitivity, accuracy, observation, listening, confidence and work decorum. The most valuable aspect that I learnt about was to treat people with respect and dignity regardless of their socio-economic conditions.
I received a fair feedback on my shortcomings as well as my strengths and work performance.
The entire episode made me realize how blessed I am and changed some of my perceptions altogether. My decision to choose AWAG for internship proved worthwhile.