PRIA INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME(PIIP)


• Do YOU dream of a more just and sustainable world?

• Do YOU want to learn and contribute ti citizen participation on critical areas like women's development, local self governance, education for children, urban town planning?

• Do YOU want to learn about participatory approaches in development and governance?

• Are YOU interested in getting involved in international programme that offers first hand development experience?
 
If your answer to two or
more of the above is

Yes...

then PRIA International Internship
is the programme to enroll.
 
Enroll Now!!
Contact :
Contact :

 
         
 

ABOUT PRIA

  
 
The late seventies witnessed serious critiques of ideology and approaches of developmental issues both nationally and internationally. Grassroot equalities across much of the developing world including India, revealed that governments were unable to deliver relevant or sustainable development programmes. However, local level initiatives were successful in raising awareness and mobilising communities to participate in different aspects of their own development and growth. It was in this milieu , in 1982, that PRIA began its existence. PRIA's founder members believed in two basic approachesm which would catalyse as well as sustain development processes.
  
     
  • Participatory Research which believes in the intrinsic value of people's knowledge as a basis for their own empowerment.
• Participatory development as a process whereby people are empowered for planning and implementing their own development plans.		  
     
 
These two approaches combined with different principles of participation were applied in a variety of settings and contexts including Women's education and their livelihood, tribals' rights over forests and workers' education, occupational health and literacy and adult education. In the process of its work at the grassroots, PRIA pioneered a vast range of methodology and tools for the empowerment of the marginalised : Partcipatory Training, Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation, Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue and Community based Monitoring.
  
     
 
Within 10 years of its intensive experiences at the grassroots, PRIA's analysis strongly suggested that malgovernence was the core of the many ills facing democratic societiesm including our own. From PRIA's perspective the most sustainable solution appeared in focusing on promoting greater citizen engagement to generate awareness, increase participation and democratise the process of governance.
  
     
 
PRIA's vision is to develop a democratic society based on the values of equity and justice, including the marginalised specially women. Citizens' rights and responsibilities are nurtured through a balance between authority and accountability. PRIA is a repository of peoples' knowledge building on the premise of 'Knowledge is Power'.
  
     
 
PRIA intervenes directly at the local level in the eight states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Rajasthan and West Bengal. With the support of its core group of partners, PRIA further extends this approach to the States of Gujarat, Kerela, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. PRIA's interventions in each state are woven around relevant issues and themes, ensuring delivery of development through the effective and and accountable functioning of local governance.
  
 
http://www.pria.org
  
 

ABOUT PRIA Continuing Education

  
 
PRIA Continuing Education (PCE), the academic wing of PRIA has been established for transferring the experience, knowledge and learning of PRIA's 26 years in the meaningful areas of citizen participation, civil society building and democratic governance. The vast pool of knowledge and learning has been synthesised and packaged into distance education and face to face teacging programmes. The objective of the PCE is the advancement and dissemination of Knowledge that has direct bearing on on people-centric social development.
 
 
The PRIA International Inetrnship Programme (PIIP) is coordinated by PRIA Continuing Edication
  
 
http://www.priaeducation.org
  

         
     
 
Globalisation, and its economic cultural and political manifestations have impacted, both positively and negatively, the state of development and governance, resulting in making the world a smaller and closer place. The flow of information, development aid mechanisms, people's movements.m solidarity on shared issues., millenium development goals, wars against terrorism, as well as new dimensions of democracy and accountability has made the concept of global citizenship a reality. There is an increasing, urgency among the citizens of the world, especially the youth, to contribute towards making the world a better place for all to live in.
  
     
 
Cross cultural interactions, through different forums has encouraged information flow for the integration of ideas and sharing realities that contribute to social change across countries. This trend ushers in a new wave of collaborative approach towards social problem solving at a people to people level and such examples can be found across diverse continents and countries. Such concepts have motivated students and individuals to seek out opportunities of relevant learning and exposure. The PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP) reaches out to citizens across the world who are keen to become agents of change and catalysts in development processes. It also provides an opportunity for international students looking for practical work experience and real life exposure with a focus on developmental and governance issues.
  
     
 
Students enrolled in disciplines like Governance, Political Studies, Enterprise Development, Gender, Environment, Development studies , Rural and Urban Planning, etc, can complement their conceptual engagements with an exposure to practical field realities at a grassroot level. This internship provides an opportunity to bridge the gap between higher educational learning and the futuristic demands of a profession in development and related sectors.
 
     
 
     
 
To address the gaps between theory and practice, PRIA in the past has conducted a postgraduate certificate programme for Indian students, from different parts of the country, with diverse academic backgrounds. Our experience with individuals who have successfully completed an internship with PRIA, as well as pertinent enquiries from the international youth community, has motivated us to launch the PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP), to cater to the needs of our global citizens –assisting them to address and learn about development issues , and get an exposure to the realities of the Indian context.
 
     
 
The PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP) aims to provide students from across the world an opportunity to come together, learn about development realities of India. The processes will be of tremendous value in helping students expanding their professional and personal horizons while making a difference to the lives of people and communities. The interns will be provided the experience to launch their careers with practical insights and perspectives needed to become effective change agents. This programme acts as a bridge between the academic preparation of a professional and the practical challenges faced in field-based interventions. Valuable, real-world experience that accelerates preparation for a professional career is provided through the PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP).
  
         
     
 
The following are the profile backgrounds that would benefit from the PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP)
  
     
•
Young Professionals who have recently been appointed or aspire to be in the Development Sector / Donor Organisations / International Bilateral / Multilateral organisations / Sustainability or CSR Departments / Marketing / Financial Services/ New Services or Product development / Technology Companies etc. This programme will form a bridge to help individuals understand theory and link their practical orientation in the field to concepts of development work in a relevant manner prioritizing on people based needs.
 
•
Students who have completed their Masters in Development Studies, Public Administration; Social work, Women Studies, Education, Environmental Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, Economics, Marketing, Risk Analysis, Finance, Technology Integration, Population Studies, Governance, Political Studies, Enterprise Development, Gender, Health, Environment, Psychology, History, Strategic Studies, Rural and Urban Planning, Programme Development, Research, Science, Cultural Studies etc to enhance career prospects based on their aspirations.
  
     
•
Individuals taking a Gap year, includes students inclined towards a career in development work with a core understanding of people based needs and relevant experience, will gain immense value in opting for the course.
 
     
•
PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP) is a global internship programme and is open to all individuals desiring to integrate people oriented experiential learning in their skill sets for their career prospects and growth. The course is ideal for individuals who desire to expand their vision and horizons, who see development as a global issue and most of all for those who dream of living out experiences which mould and shape their very thinking and who wish to be integral part of the very process of the change they are initiating. It is an experience in a lifetime for many and an opportunity not to be missed.
  
     
•
Prior to the selection of interns, there is an intensive pre selection criteria in order to match the aspirations of the interns with the specific needs and experience that can be provided through field visits and internship period. During this phase an internship form and other communications are shared with us in order to work towards providing value to each individual, the communities involved in the process and also the host organization.
  
     
 
     
•
To strengthen understanding on concepts of participatory development and democratic governance, with specific reference to the Indian context
  
     
•
To provide exposure to grassroots realities, in the rural and urban settings, with a focus on participation by citizens and communities in development and governance interventions
  
     
         
•
To strengthen insights and develop skills on participatory methodologies and tools, which include participatory research, participatory training, participatory monitoring.
 
     
• ·To understand and appreciate broader contexts of other stakeholders, like government agencies, donors and local self governance institutions, while participating in existing field projects  
     
•
To facilitate cross-cultural learning on development issues as well as other areas of inter-personal growth and learning
  
     
 
In addition to the above, each intern will be assisted to create mutually agreed upon individual based learning objectives, in consultation with the Internship Coordinator within the parameters of the PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP).
 
     
 
     
 
The internship includes three modules, spread across 8 weeks, including 2 weeks of classroom teaching and 6 weeks of practical fieldwork
  
     
  Cultural Orientation  
     
•
Indian context: socio political realities, economic conditions, cultural values and norms, preparation for entering into small and medium towns and villages
  
     
 
     
  Period: Week I Location: PRIA, Delhi  
     
  During this module, the interns are part of classroom teaching, wherein through participatory teaching methodologies, they revisit as well as strengthen understanding on:  
     
•
Concept of development: meaning and relevance of participatory development and participatory research
 
• Concept of gender in a development framework, customised orientation of issues of gender sensitivity  
•
Concept of local self governance and inclusive citizenship
  
• Participatory approaches and methodologies  
 
Orientation and preparation for different aspects of field work
  
     
 
     
  Period: Weeks II-VII Location: Field Sites  
 
During this module, the interns are placed in field locations and will get exposure on development themes, which include
  
•
Issues related to the functioning and strengthening of local self governance and civil society building
  
•
Field based interventions on sectoral issues including education, natural resource management, tribal development, citizenship issues, etc
  
     
 
The interns are placed in teams of two or three persons in specific field based projects of PRIA and its partners, in different States of India. The projects will be decided in mutual consultation with each intern.
  
         
 
     
  Period: Week VIII Location: PRIA , Delhi  
     
  During this module, the interns get an opportunity to consolidate their field experiences by:  
     
•
Revisiting key conceptual, philosophical and methodological aspects within the perspective of their field experience
  
•
Writing a dissertation (10,000 words)
  
•
Presentations of field insights and learnings to subject experts and practitioners for feedback
 
     
  Credits:  
     
•
The Internship is a postgraduate certificate programme, equivalent to 11 credits (each credit is equal to thirty hours of work)
  
     
  Certification:  
     
•
On successful completion of the course, a certificate will be awarded to the individuals.
 
     
  Duration  
     
•
The Course is scheduled between September- October every year for a maximum of 25 students
  
     
 
     
•
Strengthening Women's Political Empowerment
  
•
Strengthening Gender in Institutions: Gender audits; Gender Sensitisation; Gender Budgeting
  
•
Capacity building of Elected Representatives of Local Self Governance Institutions
  
• Building Tribal Leadership  
• Civil Society Building  
•
Building Citizen Leadership
  
•
Strengthening Social Accountability Mechanisms–Citizen Monitoring, Social Audits, Right To Information Campaigns
 
•
Facilitating Community's Participation in Planning: Microplanning
  
•
Facilitating Comprehensive District Planning
  
•
Strengthening Participatory Urban Town planning
  
•
Engaging Citizen's participation in Urban Governance
 
•
Promoting Citizen's Participation in Solid Waste Management
  
• Facilitating Multistakeholder Dialogues on Development issues  
•
Understanding and addressing dynamics of Poverty
  
•
Undertaking Participatory Research on issues of Participation, Citizenship, Governance and Accountability
 
•
Understanding realities of Girl Child Education
  
         
 
     
 
In order to cater to needs of different students, PRIA has two options in their fee structure.
  
     
 
Option 1
US$ 850 / INR 32,000 (per intern)
 
     
 
This fee amount includes the cost of professional inputs in the classroom and supervision in the field. However, this fee does not include expenses related to board, lodge and travel (domestic and local).
  
     
  In this arrangement PRIA provides assistance to the intern in locating residential facilities but the costs will have to be borne by the interns themselves. (as per actuals)  
     
 
Option 2
US$ 1550 / INR 60,000 (per intern)
 
     
 
The fee amount covers the cost of professional inputs in the classroom and supervision in the field.
  
 
In addition it includes the following expenditure
  
1.
Cost of stay twin sharing basis) for the entire period of internship
 
 
In Delhi the interns stay in the hostel facilities available within PRIA campus. In the field sites, safe and modest accommodation is provided
  
     
2.
Travel to and fro, and within field sites
 
  This will include economic mode of transport (i.e. train/bus).  
     
3.
Food (for stay in Delhi).
 
 
When on the PRIA campus, all meals will be provided to the students. However, the interns will have to bear the cost of food during the fieldwork period (6 weeks duration). Approximate cost of food in the field would be US$ 6 per day.
 
     
 
Under both the fee options, the intern will not receive any allowance or salary for the internship period
  
     
 
     
  Effective Supervision  
     
•
The interns will be supervised throughout the internship period. The fieldwork will include the time of two experienced supervisors each for a team of 2-3 interns.
  
     
•
Each intern will be provided broad guidelines for intervention. Attempts will be made to allow the intern flexibility and opportunity to be “immersed” in the local realities
  
     
  Conceptual Insights  
     
•
Interaction with subject experts from PRIA and its associate organisations
  
•
Facilitation of learning through participatory methodologies
 
     
 
Relevant Field Exposure
  
     
•
Working with existing field-based projects of PRIA and its close partners. the intern will get first hand exposure to the realities of the field and to the challenges in involving citizens and community in development processes.
  
•
Choices of field locations will keep in mind the individual needs and interests of the learner. These will include urban and rural grassroots sites of PRIA and partners where their programmes are being conducted.
  
         
 
Assignments
  
     
•
Internship will include individual and team-based assignments
  
•
Individual assignments will allow the intern to sharpen their perspective and personal analytical skills .Working as part of a team will assist them to appreciate the value of team work, recognise diverse perspectives and learn from their combined experiences.
 
• Constructive feedback will be provided to individual interns, through an effective evaluation process.  
 
At the end of the field work, the interns will be required to write a dissertation, linked to their fieldwork intervention.
 
     
 
International Learning Experience
  
     
•
Interaction with diverse students from different countries
 
•
Opportunity to understand and appreciate cross- cultural dimensions
  
•
Immerse in and learn from grassroots realities
  
•
Understand the richness and complexity of India
  
     
 
     
 
Conference and Hostel facilities
  
     
 
The hostel has the basic facilities required for an internship programme. A safe place to stay in, well maintained rooms, furnished interiors, provision for meals, a TV lounge, music system, 24 hour Internet facilities.We also have well equipped Conference Facilities.
  
     
  http://www.pria.org/hostel.php  
     
 
PRIA Library
  
     
 
PRIA maintains a rich and extensive library on development and governance issues. The PRIA Library offers a range of services to provide accurate and updated information on different themes. The library caters to the learning needs of students, representatives from civil society organisations, academia, government and media. It has a rich and excellent collection of nearly 16,000 books, 150 Periodicals, 19,000 Mimeos and 600 CDs
  
     
 
http://www.pria.org/lib_intro.php
  
     
 
PRIA Publications
  
     
 
PRIA publishes books, manuals, guides, occasional papers, study reports, educational and academic journals and learning material on a range of socially relevant topics. These include participatory research, participatory training, civil society, capacity building, voluntary and non-profit sector, governance, rural and urban local bodies, citizenship, gender and related issues.
  
     
  http://www.pria.org/showpublication.php  
     
 
Kindly fill up the enclosed Registration Form.
Last date of receipt of Registration Form is: August 18, 2008.