Graduation ceremony for bp supported internship programme
On 6 May, bp and its Block 31 partners in coordination with the ANPG, participated in the graduation ceremony of 150 interns as part of the 2021-2022 edition of the Internship programme implemented by the NGO Development Workshop (DW)
Why it matters: The programme is seen as a symbol of excellence of the public, private and civil society partnership since it has been a catalyst for young graduate students by giving them their first opportunity for work experience.
By the numbers:
- 150 recent graduates from 6 provinces trained in medical, engineering (computing, agronomy and environmental), economics, architecture and urbanism, business management, law, sociology, accounting and entrepreneurship.
- 20 public and private institutions involved in the programme
- 43% of participants are women
- 27 professionals acted as mentors including bp employees Ernesto Mungongo, Victor Miranda, Agostinho Xavier and Felix Amorex
- The programme has been running for 20 years and has already graduated over 1200 students who are part of the workforce in the public and private sectors.
The result of the above efforts developed income generations and job creation initiatives as mentioned in the testimonials from the students and mentors.
bp Interns: In this year edition of the programme, bp hosted 3 interns who were placed in the C&EA, Environment and Legal teams. Novalda, Jose and Winnie completed their 6-month programmes which gave them exposure and experience that will help them open doors for future job opportunities.
Win-win: In return for the invaluable internship opportunity provided, host organizations also benefit from the intern’s passion, fresh perspectives and the added capacity to advance special projects.
Government recognition: At the event, Faustina Alves, the minister for Social Affairs, Family and Women Empowerment, spoke passionately to the young graduates, giving them tips on how to develop soft skills and the right mindset which will help them face the challenges ahead. The minister commended bp for supporting what she considers to be a life-changing initiative.
‘’We thank the institutions that made this a reality and all mentors, as this is the model of the Angolan society that we want, where everyone shares their expertise to guide the younger generation.
-Minister Faustina Alves
For ANPG, the program fits in with the country’s development strategy.
‘’Each one of us should be committed to the delivery of the Angola 2030 development plan which includes provision of quality education and professional training for an inclusive and sustainable country’’
Anacy Lourenço, Social Projects coordinator,, Social Projects Coordinator, ANPG
Pedro Sebastiao, VP Reservoir Development said that
‘’it is an honour for bp to support such an initiative because an internship is an important part of anyone’s looking for experience. Many of us who are professionals today went through this phase and we can see the excitement of the interns to reach the dreams that lie ahead of them.
‘’We are proud for all of them including the 3 interns who have been with us and brought lots of positive attitude and new ideas to the teams where they are in as this programme is a win-win for us all.''
- Pedro Sebastiao, VP Reservoir Development
Background: The $450 thousand project is part of our social investment initiatives under Block 31 and aims to promote professional and community internships, provide training in entrepreneurship skills and support, and the encouragement of good practices in community development.
DW Angola is an NGO dedicated to the implementation of improvement and livelihood programs for disadvantaged communities, contributing to the implementation of a large number of significant projects for the development of Angola.