Support South African Water Conservation Interns

“This is something huge for me.”
 
These are some memorable words from a recent conversation with Nolubabalo Ntabeni, one of the two inaugural Chris Buckley Memorial Internship receipients currently pursuing their work-integrated learning placements at Umngeni-Ukhutela Waterworks, thanks to your support for the Chris Buckley Memorial Internship & Bursary Fund through GlobalGiving.  This is the third and final year of their study towards a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering at the Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban.

I caught up with Nolubabalo last week to chat about how the internship is going, what she is learning, and what it means to her.  One thing is clear: your generosity as a donor to the Chris Buckley Memorial Internship is making a very big difference in Nolubabalo’s life.

The training and exposure that Nolubabablo and her fellow Buckley Intern (Msizi Mazibuko -- we will be interviewing him soon!) are receiving is providing an immersive exposure to how water is processed and made available across a large network of waterworks.  They  have now been trained in sample collection and testing for E. coli, ammonia, nitrites, and other potential contaminants at a number of treatment plants.  Not only are they responsible for the testing, but they are learning with both depth and breadth about the impact of water contamination and quality on local ecosystems, all while developing some valuable personal skills and insights.

From the interview: 

MB:  What is your favourite part about your internship activities?

NN:  My favourite thing is being in the field, because I learn so much by seeing these units physically, not just learning about theory.  Also, the experience of taking the samples on your own.  I have learned so much to be able to do this.  You cannot bring the whole plant to the lab, so I have learned how to take samples from various sites and check to make sure we are not overdosing or underdosing.

MB:  How is the internship impacting you personally?

NN:  The Buckley  internship has already really helped me to grow as an individual, helping me to work consistently and submit my tasks on time, meeting deadlines. I can say that this internship has also really boosted my confidence.  I have always been afraid of making presentations but we get a lot of practice in speaking.  Now I am able to stand in front of people and present my work without being scared.

MB:  What are you learning about the water sector through the internship?

NN:  I am learning that not only is water a precious resource that needs to be used wisely, but it needs to be managed and treated properly.  Being from a rural area, I keep thinking about how people in rural communities are consuming water from unsafe sources, so it is very important to educate people about water treatment.  Now I understand more about the challenges and processes involved in providing clean water for communities.

And then came the part about something huge.  When I asked Nolubabalo if there was anything else she would like to add, this is what she offered:

NN:  I have done some research about Prof. Chris Buckley.  I am really inspired by him.  This is something huge for me – seeing the bigger picture beyond this internship and what it is a part of.  I would wish that this program never stops. I wish one day to be one of the donors so that those who come after me can be supported by this program.  I will never take this opportunity for granted.

Thanks to you and the whole community of Chris Buckley Memorial Internship & Bursary donors, a young South African from a rural background is living her dream of pursuing the training needed to begin a career in the field so greatly impacted by Chris.  She is inspired not only by the the outstanding, structured work experience she is receiving, but by being part of Chris Buckley’s legacy.  That is, in a word ... huge.

Thank you so very much for making this possible.   I hope you feel a great sense of personal reward in seeing what your generosity can do.

We will continue to keep you updated!

With deep appreciation,

Delivering good news is surely one of life's greatest joys!  This week, we had the pleasure and privilege of letting Msizi Mazibuko and Nolubabalo Ntabeni know that they had been selected as the inaugural recipients of The Chris Buckley Memorial Internship bursary.  This came at the end of a search process that had narrowed to seven interviewees, then four finalists, and then the final selection of Msizi and Nolubabalo.  Their excitement on learning the news was wonderful to see!

Msizi, 35, and Nolubabalo, 29, have each completed two years of classroom study towards a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering and are now required to complete a year of in-service training. Both have solid academic records, were recommended by their professors, and had outstanding interviews with our four-person panel.  Both come from rural communities and have seen first-hand the problems of water scarcity and pollution in South Africa. 

Msizi shared that he has "always been fascinated by the vital role water plays in sustaining life and ecosystems. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the impact of water scarcity and pollution on local communities. This sparked my interest in pursuing a career in the water sector."  And from Nolubababalo, "I'm worried about water scarcity in South Africa.  We don't have enough water.  This causes problems for many people, especially in rural areas and in my community we are still struggling to find clean water.  We drink is with animals which makes the water dirty and unhealthy,  We need to find new ways to save and use water wisely."

The in-service training year required for completion of the National Diploma is not funded by the South African National Student Financial Aid Scheme.  Many promising students end up not completing this third year due to a lack of financial resources.  This is where The Chris Buckley Memorial Internship comes in, as a scholarship that funds third-year National Diploma students for their in-service training.

We could not be more thrilled with the partnerships that are making the dream of creating this scholarship come true.  Through our Memorandum of Understanding with the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), the USP has committed to providing Buckley Internships to up to two highly qualified MUT students each year.  Msizi and Nolubabalo will begin their in-service year on May 1 with the other of our two program partners, Umgeni-Ukuthela Water, the leading provider of water services in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal.  They will be joining a cohort of trainees to pursue a structured, high-quality year of practical experience, professional development, and personal growth, with their progress monitored and assisted by Umgeni Water supervisors, MUT faculty, and USP staff. 

All of you, our GlobalGiving donors to The Chris Buckely Memorial Internship (listed as "Support South African Water Conservation Interns"), are our most important partners of all in this venture.  Your generosity truly makes all of this possible. Thank you for this, and for your commitment to honoring Chris Buckley's memory by lifting up promising young engineers so they can join the ranks of skilled professionals working to provide South Africa with an abundant, well-run, and sustainable water sector. 

We look forward to keeping you updated on Msizi and Nolubabalo’s journey! 

With sincere gratitude, 

Martha