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| Context |
| 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, solidarity on shared issues, millennium
development goals, wars against terrorism, as well as the new dimensions of
democracy and accountability have 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 to live in for all human beings. |
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| The arena of higher education also places an increasing emphasis on learning, which
is socially relevant to the everyday lives of people. There are debates and discussions
on the value of higher education, which could contribute to private as well as public
good. There is a growing awareness on the need for a greater integration between
theoretical content and the practical approaches, especially in disciplines dealing with
social and human development. |
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| Cross-cultural interactions, through different forums have 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 approaches
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 including
exposure to varied situations and contexts. The PRIA International Internship
Programme (PIIP) reaches out to citizens across the world, who are keen on
becoming agents of change and catalysts in development processes. It also provides
an opportunity for international students looking for practical work experiences and
real life exposure with a focus on developmental and governance issues. |
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| Rationale |
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| The PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP) consists of a careful selection of
conceptualised inputs and field-based learning initiatives. After a detailed orientation
to various development concepts and approaches, within the Indian context, the
interns are matched with their interests and learning needs, in different field settings to
experience grassroot realities. A meticulously designed and closely supervised field
engagement and systematic review process ensures strengthening of perspectives,
building competencies required for field interventions. The experience also provides
individuals with insights to assess their positive strengths and skills as well as zero in
on specific areas for self-improvement. |
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The PIIP aims to provide students from across the world an opportunity to come
together and learn about development realities of India. The processes will be of
tremendous value in helping students expand their professional and personal
horizons, while making a difference to the lives of people and communities. The
interns will be provided the opportunity 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 PIIP. |
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| Objectives of the Internship |
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To strengthen understanding on concepts of participatory development and democratic governance, with specific reference to the Indian context. |
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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. |
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To strengthen insights and develop skills on participatory methodologies and tools, which include participatory research, participatory training, participatory monitoring. |
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To understand and appreciate broader contexts of other stakeholders, like government agencies, donors and local self governance institutions, while participating in existing field projects. |
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To facilitate cross-cultural learning on development issues as well as other areas of inter-personal growth and learning. |
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