Young graduates have been making an impact in the lives of child trafficking survivors at two of Hope for Justice’s Lighthouses in Ethiopia.
A final cohort of interns from the School of Social Work at Addis Ababa University have begun volunteering their time at Deborah and Canaan Lighthouses as part of a UNICEF-funded pilot programme.
This is the third and final three-month placement, through which graduates have put their newly acquired social work skills into practice at our short-term aftercare centres. As well as gaining vital experience, they have simultaneously improved the lives of boys and girls who have either been trafficked, or were previously at risk of exploitation.
A cohort of social work interns receive certificates at the end of their placement
One of the former interns said: “It was a very pleasurable experience I had in the Lighthouse. Everyone treats me in a good way. I will be an ambassador of Hope for Justice wherever I go.”
About the pilot
Hope for Justice, in collaboration with UNICEF, has recruited graduates who have completed their bachelor’s degrees in social work. In the fiscal year 2024/25, Hope for Justice is providing internship support for social work graduates in three batches, ending in October 2025.
Hope for Justice and the School of Social Work at Addis Ababa University (AAU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement to promote the social work profession through an internship programme. This gives students opportunities to develop their professional skills through practical experience with social problem-solving methods/models and service delivery approaches before entering formal employment.
One of the closing ceremonies to mark the end of the internship
What work have the interns been doing?
In each placement, 12 graduates volunteer for 16 hours per week across our two Ethiopia Lighthouses. They assist with a range of activities, including child support and engagement, orienting new children who arrive at the Lighthouse, engaging children in therapeutic sessions, assisting with case management, supervising beneficiaries, supporting family tracing and reunification, and conducting follow-ups.
They have enhanced their learning by observing case reviews and receiving supervision around intervention plans, opening case files, preparing plans and assisting with documentation. Participants also had the chance to observe individual and group counselling sessions. Interns have provided life skills training on various topics, as well as supporting vocational training for children who will be assisted into independent living. They have also witnessed some of our beneficiaries being reintegrated with relatives via the Parents to Us approach.
How have the internships improved outcomes for beneficiaries?
Our beneficiaries have hugely benefited from the pilot, enjoying multiple activities with the interns. They have been encouraged to participate in group activities and therapeutic sessions such as storytelling, indoor and outdoor games, arts and craft therapy, music, dance and drama.
When members of our social work team have been away from the Lighthouses on fieldwork or facilitating family reintegrations, the presence of interns has given our social workers at the office additional support. This has helped our team to respond to children’s needs faster.
Further still, the children have been inspired by the social work interns, with some mentioning that they would like to graduate from a university too.
Some of the interns have been communicating with beneficiaries in their first language, which has created a safe space for children to express themselves openly. This in turn has meant that we could provide improved psychosocial support and has strengthened trust between the beneficiaries and our team.
Lastly, we have seen children confiding in some of the younger interns, looking up to them as brothers and sisters. These interactions have supported the children’s emotional healing after trauma.
How has the programme positively impacted Hope for Justice?
The interns have supported Hope for Justice’s team of social workers, increasing our capacity and assisting with workload. This has enabled our staff to focus on more complex cases. The interns have also brought new ideas, updated academic knowledge and innovative approaches to working. The programme has also resulted in stronger links with universities and enhanced the organisation’s reputation as a learning partner.
Highlights of the pilot
One of the key highlights of the internships has been seeing the children communicate more happily and openly as a result of the interns’ company. They have contributed to their language development and given cultural support.
We have been able to provide improved psychosocial support for the children.
Some of the interns have expressed an interest in volunteering with the organisation in the future.
At the start of each three-month internship, graduates received a one-day induction including a welcome, programme overview, Hope for Justice’s safeguarding policies and information around the Lighthouse operations. Then, at the conclusion of each internship, a special closing ceremony was held to celebrate the successful completion. Each intern received a certificate and a mug inscribed ‘Internship 2025, thank you for showing up with heart’, to thank them for their involvement and commitment. There was also opportunity for interns to reflect and provide feedback.
Adyam Adnew, our Head of Social Work who has been overseeing the rollout of the internship programme, said: “By supporting future social workers today, we strengthen our team and improve the quality of care for every child in our programme.”
