Student
reviews
TESTIMONIALS
Angelin Suting
ADBU 2nd sem. MSW 2025
My Internship Experience at CDI :
During my internship at the Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI), I gained invaluable experience that significantly contributed to my academic and personal growth as a social work student. Guided by the fieldwork coordinator, I engaged with a pre-existing survey in Byrnihat, actively participating in designing a questionnaire focused on health issues affecting women and children. This hands-on involvement enhanced my research design skills and fostered strong collaboration through continuous discussions.
Throughout the internship, I developed essential communication and active listening skills. I was also introduced to data analysis and project proposal writing, particularly through practical work in Norbong and surrounding areas. These experiences deepened my understanding of community-based research and planning.
Teamwork played a crucial role in my development. I learned to manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and strengthen my observational skills through direct interaction with local households. Field visits to Byrnihat provided insight into pressing social and environmental concerns, particularly pollution from nearby factories. Community members reported health issues such as blackened nostrils and gastric problems, which they linked to emissions from beer, steel, and cement plants. The impact was especially visible during winter, with increased pollution levels and noticeable damage to local vegetation.
One of the most impactful aspects of my internship was learning to analyze survey data to better understand and address the health challenges facing the community. This process sharpened my ability to interpret data and advocate for appropriate interventions.
Additionally, during my first semester, I conducted home visits to domestic workers’ households. These visits deepened my understanding of living conditions, family dynamics, and socio-economic contexts. Respecting privacy and applying core social work principles, I acted as an enabler—motivating clients toward well-being. These experiences strengthened my practical skills and deepened my connection with the community, making my time at CDI a truly transformative journey.
Lawanhun Nongtri
ADBU 2nd sem. MSW 2025
Learning Experience :
During a 20-day concurrent fieldwork placement at the Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI), the trainee gained significant personal and professional growth. This hands-on experience enabled the trainee to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting and gain an understanding of the practical role of a social worker. Under the guidance of Project Manager and Fieldwork Supervisor Sir Nirmal Singha, along with the CDI team, the trainee received consistent support and mentorship.
A key activity involved conducting a community survey in Lum Nongthymmai, Harlibagan Byrnihat, and Norbong villages. This helped the trainee develop skills in communication, building rapport, and understanding local concerns. The trainee learned to prepare consent letters, design effective questionnaires, and analyze survey data. These tasks provided insights into the complete process of field research.
Interacting with diverse communities improved the trainee’s listening, empathy, and questioning techniques. Language barriers, particularly in Norbong village, underscored the importance of local language proficiency in social work.
The trainee also worked with students who are pursuing their matriculation through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and are receiving coaching at CDI, which helped provided great learning to support and motivate young learners. Fieldwork activities fostered punctuality, responsibility, and teamwork.
Overall, this experience enhanced the trainee’s confidence, communication skills, and cultural sensitivity, with valuable guidance from Sir Nirmal Singha the agency supervisor and the CDI team.
Merida Thongni
ADBU 2nd Sem – MSW
My Internship Experience at the Centre for Development Initiative (CDI)
My internship at the Centre for Development Initiative (CDI), spanning the previous and current semesters, was a transformative and enriching journey that greatly enhanced my academic, professional, and personal growth. It allowed me to step beyond the classroom and engage directly with grassroots realities, offering insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the crucial role of social work in addressing them.
During my fieldwork, I actively participated in women’s group meetings across various locations. These sessions showcased the unique structures and collective efforts of women’s groups, all striving for empowerment. With CDI’s support, these groups helped women build confidence, earn livelihood, assert their rights, and foster solidarity. This experience deepened my understanding of gender and community dynamics.
Conducting home visits was particularly eye-opening. Interacting with families facing poverty, illiteracy, and limited access to services helped me develop empathy and a stronger commitment to social justice. Listening to their stories reinforced my desire to advocate for inclusive development.
I also took part in training programs focused on enabling women to access government schemes and navigate public systems. These sessions improved my problem-solving skills and highlighted the value of capacity building in sustainable development.
The internship also helped me build technical skills, such as using Excel for data management, Google Forms for surveys, and video editing tools for documentation. Working closely with the director, coordinator, and field staff taught me the logistics of community outreach and strengthened my teamwork abilities.
Most importantly, the internship was a journey of self-discovery. I learned to cope with setbacks, develop emotional resilience, and grow in maturity. It sharpened my communication and coordination skills, boosted my confidence, and inspired a deepened commitment to social work.
This experience has truly prepared me to face real-world challenges with empathy, professionalism, and purpose.