"Working with MAKNA has expanded my
appreciation for the non-profit sector and opened my eyes to the amazing things
of which this sector is capable..."
Alaina Cubbon Intern Student, Bermuda Served MAKNA from June to July 2006
Upon
completing my degree at Oxford last year, I knew only one thing for certain:
that I wanted to travel and gain valuable international experience before
committing to a full-time job. Moreover, I wanted to help others, I wanted to
obtain a greater cultural understanding than could be gained as a tourist, and
I wanted to grow as a person. It is for these reasons that I decided to apply
for an AIESEC traineeship.
Perhaps, unlike many other trainees, my choice of traineeship was based on the
organisation more so than its geographical location. Several years ago, my
grandmother was diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer, so I have
witnessed first-hand the pain and suffering this illness can cause. I have also
experienced the ways in which cancer charities can effectively and
compassionately reduce the burdens associated with cancer for both the patient
and their family. For this reason, MAKNA's cause is one that is very close to
my heart.
My time at MAKNA did not disappoint. I was exposed to a variety of initiatives
and given the opportunity to contribute to several projects, including the Sens
Saves Lives Campaign, Direct Mailing scheme, Mobile Screening Project, and
research in to the cancer situation in other south-east Asian countries as part
of MAKNA's expansion initiative. I was also given the wonderful opportunity to
attend a meeting at the Ministry of Finance and a three-day workshop with the
Ministry of Health. Importantly, I felt that my input was really valued and
that my contributions were greatly appreciated, making my time at MAKNA a
highly rewarding experience.
Working with MAKNA has expanded my appreciation for the non-profit sector and
opened my eyes to the amazing things of which this sector is capable. I was
pleasantly surprised by the professionalism of MAKNA's approach, which appears
to allow for extremely effective fundraising and great progress in the battle
against cancer. Equally, however, their approach is compassionate, and MAKNA's
support does not necessarily end with the cancer; they will continue to help
families for as long as they are in need. MAKNA's new micro-credit programme
appears to offer an extension of this strategy, and should allow for families
both coping with and recovering from cancer to become financially independent.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone at MAKNA for
listening to my ideas and for being so supportive during my internship,
particularly Farah, who was my mentor during this time. I wish you every
success in the launching of the Mobile Screening Project and this year's Sens
Saves Lives Campaign, and the best of luck in "flattening" MAKNA's services to
bring further hope and relief to cancer patients not only in Malaysia, but also
around the world.
