We’re delighted to share a blog post from King’s College London student Sabrin who interned for InCommon from February 2024 to June 2024 as part of King’s Civic Leadership Academy.
When I applied to the Civic Leadership Academy at King's, I had little knowledge of the charity sector and was simply seeking a new experience. After several interviews, I was thrilled to join InCommon, a charity that facilitates intergenerational workshops connecting older and younger people. This concept resonated with me because, growing up, I had few opportunities to connect with older individuals and recognised the immense value in children learning from older generations.
I was keen to join the intergenerational workshops so I could understand what makes them successful. The sessions were a blend of activities where different generations shared experiences, engaged in creative projects, and built meaningful relationships. We covered important topics such as the Windrush Generation, and I created factsheets to support these sessions. Witnessing the mutual exchange of knowledge and perspectives was incredibly rewarding.
Balancing my internship with my university studies initially seemed daunting, but the supportive team at InCommon made the transition smooth. From the start, I was entrusted with important tasks. I led my own workshop using skills from the CLA workshops and managed the production of the annual intergenerational magazine. Additionally, I researched and identified potential partners for InCommon's Empower programme and coordinated meetings with them. These hands-on experiences taught me project management and the importance of effective communication.
I thoroughly enjoyed observing the various roles within the organisation and understanding the effort involved in making these workshops successful. I particularly enjoyed supporting the Age-Friendly Awards, where I saw the efforts of individuals and organisations across the country that have helped build age-friendly communities. Hearing about their experiences, and having the chance to celebrate them with InCommon, was very inspiring.
Overall, my internship at InCommon was an enriching experience. I appreciated the creative freedom and the opportunity to make an impact. More importantly, I learned the value of intergenerational connections and how they can positively influence both young and older participants. My time at InCommon has significantly shaped my understanding of the charity sector and its potential to bring about meaningful change.
Click here to find out more about the inCommon team.
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