Our journey as the first interns at LIFE-MAC Africa since its rebranding has been nothing short of transformative. When we arrived, one of the biggest tasks waiting for us was to bring the organization’s website to life. Using WordPress, we combined our diverse skill sets to create a functional and engaging online platform. Along the way, we learned valuable lessons about web design, user experience and perhaps most importantly, how to collaborate effectively as a team.
Beyond the website, we were busy with exciting robotics and STEM projects. We submerged ourselves into Arduino programming, built traffic lights, acoustic systems and sharpened our coding skills using platforms like mBlock and Scratch. These experiences engineered a deeper passion for technology in each of us. We realized that learning can be hands-on, fun, and deeply rewarding.
One of the highlights of our time was our involvement in the 2024 “International Day of the Girl Child” edition of the STEMize Project. We had the chance to empower young girls by teaching them robotics and leading science experiments. This moment did not just give us opportunity to lead but also showed us how refreshingly impactful it can be to share knowledge and inspire others.
Our time at LIFE-MAC Africa was packed with challenges, laughter, and growth. As Collins described it, “My work experience here has been a roller coaster ride of challenges, laughter, and ‘Eureka’ moments.” Gabriel, fondly nicknamed “the Landlord,” echoed the sentiment by simply raising his eyebrows, waiting for a Eureka of his own.
Favour, ever witty, summed it up perfectly: “Who knew that working could be fun? Yeah, LIFE-MAC Africa did. They proved that learning doesn’t have to be serious to be impactful.”
For Daniella, the website project reminded her of cooking jollof. “Building a website is like cooking jollof; teamwork, patience and getting everything just right,” she quipped, with a smile.
Ernest, on the other hand, saw the process of web development as a metaphor for LIFE-MAC’s mission: “Building a WordPress site is like empowering communities. Each plugin adds a new layer of potential, and every theme tweak brings you closer to a better world. Sometimes it’s challenging, but the end result is always worth it.”
And then there’s Temple. After much beard scratching, he opted to borrow a quote from Douglas Adams: “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by,” which he felt encapsulated his experience perfectly.
Reflecting on the internship, Courage ChristsonTetteh, LIFE-MAC Africa’s founder, shared his personal connection to the project:
“Having these young and vibrant folks as part of our journey this year is incredibly symbolic. Anytime I type our website URL, send it to someone, or fill out a form, I’ll remember Ernest, Daniella, Collins, Temple (Shelemiah), Favour (CIA), Frederick (the Church Guy), and Gabriel (the Landlord). Myself, Worlanyo, and Ben bought the domain name and template back in January 2024, but our busy adult lives couldn’t give it the attention it needed. For eight months, it hung in limbo; until these amazing interns (under the leadership of Eugene) arrived and brought it to life.”
As we wrap up our time at LIFE-MAC Africa, we leave with newfound confidence, newly acquired skills and the sense that we are ready for whatever comes next. This experience has laid the groundwork for our future careers and inspires each of us to keep driving change and making meaningful contributions wherever we go.