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Internship program for European Learning Partners feedback - Laureate Candidates (mentors)

End of Placement Report

October 3, 2024

Dear Laureate Candidate,

The One Planet Fellowship initiative, co-implemented by AWARD and Agropolis Fondation, supports research and development on agri-food systems and climate change action. The Fellowship aims to build a vibrant, highly connected, and intergenerational network of African and European scientist leaders equipped to lead research focused on helping Africa’s smallholder farmers to adapt to a changing climate. Climate change is a global phenomenon, thus requires a global approach to solving the arising associated problems. Collaborative research and scientific mentoring are key in addressing some of the climate related challenges faced globally. It is against this backdrop that AWARD and Agropolis Fondation have initiated the Internship programs under the AWARD Mentoring process under the One Planet Fellowship.

The Internship Programs provide a platform for young and emerging European scientists to engage with African agricultural and climate scientists, learn from on-ground expertise and envisage unique research collaborations and networking in Africa.

This Internship Programs are also an opportunity for Laureate candidates to apply their mentoring skills as they supervise selected European Learning Partners in selected African research institutions. Since May 2023, you have taken up the role of Mentor, supporting both an African and a European Learning partners. In June 2023, you hosted a European Learning Partner at your institution and worked closely with her/him to undertake some research activities. We also acknowledge that you will continue supporting them for the remaining period of the co-learning (mentoring) program. We will continue to encourage and support you as much as we can.

It is our hope that your supervision during the one-month placement and mentoring has been a rewarding experience. We would love to hear more about your experience as this information will enable us to review and adjust while we continue engaging with you for different milestones. The information provided will be treated confidentially and kept within our organization.

We invite you to answer the questions below.

Personal Information

Surname

Mibei

First Name

Elias

Other names

Kibiwot

Primary email

elias.mibei@dkut.ac.ke

Secondary email

elimibei@yahoo.com

Name of the African Host Institution

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology

Name of the European Learning Partner whom you hosted:

Silvia Martinez

Start Date (Period of internship)

April 3, 2024

End Date

June 5, 2024

What did you like the most about your role as a mentor to the European Learning Partner?

What I liked most was the opportunity to exchange diverse perspectives and ideas which enriched our discussions in matters related to climate change research and gender inclusion. We also build connections and strong partnership for future collaboration.

You went through AWARD mentoring program last year. Was this experience useful in any way in your role this time as a mentor? Please elaborate below.

- Yes the experience was very helpful. - I was able to understand personality characteristics and diversity. This allowed me to be respectful towards Silvia's background and enhanced our communication and mutual understanding. - The other important aspect was providing constructive feedback where I offered balanced, actionable feedback and motivation. - I was also able to strengthen networking opportunities with Silvia.

What did not work well during the process of mentoring and how did you overcome them?

Time management was my main limitation, I overcame it by setting datelines to ensure timely completion of tasks. I also informed Silvia of my procrastinate nature and requested her to be free to send me reminders. This worked well.

Did the intern complete the scheduled activities?

Yes

Please list the research skills that the intern was exposed to.

Silvia was exposed to research skills such as experimental techniques which involved data collection in a diverse setup, critical thinking, collaboration and ethical considerations.

Did the internship benefit you or your institution in any way? For example, learning new skills or forming networks, involvement in your institution’s activities, involvement in your research tasks?

Yes the intern benefited the institution. She was attached to MSc Food Science and Technology student. She was also provided with space to sit in the MSc Boardroom where she could interact with other students and created networks. She also learnt swahili language.

List the challenges you encountered as a mentor, if any?

- The challenge I encountered as a mentor was delay in acquiring research permit and license for Silvia. - The other challenge was payment of USD100 for School ID card despite the short stay by the Intern.

Were any of the mentioned challenges resolve

d? How?

Yes, the introductory letter was provided by

the Directorate of Research, Innovation Man

agement and Community Linkages (RIMCL) of De

dan Kimathi University of Technology showing

that application of the permit and license

was under review.

Do you have any suggestions to help us improve the learning experience or environment for future Internship programs?

- The university or organization to host the intern should be given prior information to enable smooth planning. - Since the intern's stay is for a short time, AWARD should request the university to provide waiver of ID card fee of USD 100. - I don't have any further suggestion and I only commend AWARD for the good impactful program.

Rate this internship

10 / 10