Support South African Water Conservation Interns

“This is something huge for me.”
 
These are some memorable words from a recent conversation with Nolubabalo Ntabeni, one of the two inaugural Chris Buckley Memorial Internship receipients currently pursuing their work-integrated learning placements at Umngeni-Ukhutela Waterworks, thanks to your support for the Chris Buckley Memorial Internship & Bursary Fund through GlobalGiving.  This is the third and final year of their study towards a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering at the Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban.

I caught up with Nolubabalo last week to chat about how the internship is going, what she is learning, and what it means to her.  One thing is clear: your generosity as a donor to the Chris Buckley Memorial Internship is making a very big difference in Nolubabalo’s life.

The training and exposure that Nolubabablo and her fellow Buckley Intern (Msizi Mazibuko -- we will be interviewing him soon!) are receiving is providing an immersive exposure to how water is processed and made available across a large network of waterworks.  They  have now been trained in sample collection and testing for E. coli, ammonia, nitrites, and other potential contaminants at a number of treatment plants.  Not only are they responsible for the testing, but they are learning with both depth and breadth about the impact of water contamination and quality on local ecosystems, all while developing some valuable personal skills and insights.

From the interview: 

MB:  What is your favourite part about your internship activities?

NN:  My favourite thing is being in the field, because I learn so much by seeing these units physically, not just learning about theory.  Also, the experience of taking the samples on your own.  I have learned so much to be able to do this.  You cannot bring the whole plant to the lab, so I have learned how to take samples from various sites and check to make sure we are not overdosing or underdosing.

MB:  How is the internship impacting you personally?

NN:  The Buckley  internship has already really helped me to grow as an individual, helping me to work consistently and submit my tasks on time, meeting deadlines. I can say that this internship has also really boosted my confidence.  I have always been afraid of making presentations but we get a lot of practice in speaking.  Now I am able to stand in front of people and present my work without being scared.

MB:  What are you learning about the water sector through the internship?

NN:  I am learning that not only is water a precious resource that needs to be used wisely, but it needs to be managed and treated properly.  Being from a rural area, I keep thinking about how people in rural communities are consuming water from unsafe sources, so it is very important to educate people about water treatment.  Now I understand more about the challenges and processes involved in providing clean water for communities.

And then came the part about something huge.  When I asked Nolubabalo if there was anything else she would like to add, this is what she offered:

NN:  I have done some research about Prof. Chris Buckley.  I am really inspired by him.  This is something huge for me – seeing the bigger picture beyond this internship and what it is a part of.  I would wish that this program never stops. I wish one day to be one of the donors so that those who come after me can be supported by this program.  I will never take this opportunity for granted.

Thanks to you and the whole community of Chris Buckley Memorial Internship & Bursary donors, a young South African from a rural background is living her dream of pursuing the training needed to begin a career in the field so greatly impacted by Chris.  She is inspired not only by the the outstanding, structured work experience she is receiving, but by being part of Chris Buckley’s legacy.  That is, in a word ... huge.

Thank you so very much for making this possible.   I hope you feel a great sense of personal reward in seeing what your generosity can do.

We will continue to keep you updated!

With deep appreciation,