Overview

It was a pleasure for me to serve as a summer intern at Peace and Development Foundation (PDF) in Hong Kong. For me, it was not only a two-month internship but also a great learning experience for me. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to PDF, UNDP and CUHK for their support and offering the opportunity.

Responsibilities and Work content

One of my main responsibilities was to manage the official website of PDF, included content updating, donation platform managing and public relation. On the other hand, it was also my duty to assist the chairman of PDF in daily administration and project planning.

1. Website management and Online donation platform
I began my internship at PDF office when the Sichuan earthquake had occurred several days ago. As an official partner of UNDP in Hong Kong, PDF has sponsored and organized several projects for poverty reduction, environment protection and sustainable development in Hong Kong and mainland China. After the Sichuan earthquake struck, UNDP and PDF launched an appeal with the purpose of helping disaster relief and rehabilitation work. In such case, I was responsible for managing PDF’s website in conjugation with relief work. I have translated the UN Appeal for disaster relief and structured an online donation system with PayPal and released the appeal. In response, it was very moving that people from all parts of the world spared no effort to provide financial help to the relief work and survivors of the calamity via PDF online platform. In order to help more quake victims in Sichuan, our team built up good relationships and cooperated with a number of influential online media, such as Google, China.com and fenghuavioce.com, promoted this program. Especially, I would like to thank Ms. Josie, my supervisor, who gave me many experienced guidance and benefited me greatly.


2. Daily administration and Conference organizing
During my internship, I also served as chairman assistant at PDF office. My main responsibilities included office administration, data collection and analysis and project planning. I got along with my colleagues and really enjoyed the open-minded and harmonizing atmosphere in PDF. Furthermore, this job provided me in-depth understanding of organizational and communication management of NGO which is my research interests as well. Another unique experience was that I assisted to organize the conference“UN China Appeal for Wenchuan Earthquake Early Recovery Support”, and I worked with other colleagues on conference preparation and coordination, news release and interviews arrangement and reception. I was proud of that I worked with an excellent team, our professional performance won the positive remarks from Mr. Khalid Malik, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China.

Internship summary

It was my fortune and pleasure to work in PDF. UNDP and PDF provided a fantastic chance for us to be an active part of UN system which is the important role in handling international affairs, particularly, it was also the best way that I can help the earthquake victims with my intelligence and capability. Through the internship, I have made a bunch of new friends and was keenly aware of the professional spirit of UNDP and PDF, undoubtedly, it is great treasure for me. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to PDF for offering this rare opportunity and financial support for the internship. Meanwhile, particular thanks are due to Ms. Kathy Chiu and Ms. Josie Jin Zhou for their selfless guidance and help.