Initiatives of Change offers young people a priceless opportunity of a six month internship in the IofC way of life. With the completion of another internship programme, these interns returned to their own homes with a new commitment to bring change. This is what they are taking back...

Anna Bokk, Russia
I could find a balance between heart and mind. I convinced myself once again that I can solve problems because I’ve learnt to see both the negative and positive sides, and try to find out what can I learn from it. I had to make a confession to a friend but couldn’t pluck the courage. Here I did it. With my parents my relationships have also changed.

Khanh Nhu NguyenThuy, Vietnam
I’ve learnt how to share my room with two strangers, one from Manipur and the other from Russia. We hadn’t met each other before and our English was very different. Besides, cultural differences were also a big problem. However, gradually, we have become closer and now we are good friends.

Ng Chui Cheng, Malaysia
Six months of the Internship Programme at Asia Plateau has been a turning point in my life. I have come to know myself better. I also learned how to organise conferences and pass on the message of IofC. I have decided to be IofC full time worker at least for a year in Malaysia.

Tsering Namgyal, a Tibetan from Ladakh
I came with no idea about IofC and within two months I could understand the basics of it. Meeting people from different backgrounds, cultures, faiths, countries and age-groups made my stay a unique and resourceful.

Marwyn Singsong, a Manipuri from Assam
Music has been part of my life since I was a kid but when rock music came into my life, I got into drugs, alcohol and other intoxicating substances. I realised the impact of these drugs on life and I stopped it. I apologised to Nagas for my hatred and bitterness towards them.

Ann Njeri, Kenya
Experiencing a community which accommodates each others huge differences is absolutely great and I am inspired to pass the message to people in my country. I became aware of my unconscious passing of my hatred and resentment against other community back home, and after attending Peace Circles I feel qualified to facilitate peace circles to bring peace.

Ram Naresh Vishal, U.P.
I was born with clean heart but as I grew society gave me labels based on caste and religion. I was badly treated by some of my classmates. Since then I was looking for a world where people from different backgrounds can live together. I have found IofC as my new world. I wrote an apology letter to my uncle for my hatred.

Bun Boroith, Cambodia
Apart from training sessions, I led family group meetings, service and wash-ups, worked in the farm, kitchen and office. The programme has given me the courage to look deep into my life. It has inspired me to find my calling and empowered me to make a difference that I want to see.