Hipólito and Assucena were the first interns to be welcomed at AICS Maputo under the Italian Cooperation Programme’s inclusive internship initiative, Job Creation through ICTs, which aims to promote professional opportunities for young people with disabilities and strengthen their inclusion in the labour market.
Assucena, 26 years old and a graduate in Public Administration, was looking for a professional opportunity when she participated in a job fair. “I went to the Humanity & Inclusion stand, where they were collecting CVs from people with disabilities. Without hesitation, I submitted mine,” she recalls. A few days later, she received a call offering her the possibility of undertaking an internship at AICS, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her professional journey.
During her internship, Assucena carried out various tasks, including monitoring stock inflows and outflows and providing logistical support, including negotiating with suppliers. Among all her responsibilities, she highlights one in particular: “My favourite part is document registration, which also helps me learn Italian,” she says, underlining how this experience contributed not only to her professional development but also to her personal growth.
For his part, Hipólito, a human rights activist for persons with disabilities and sports commentator at Rádio Miramar, also learned about the opportunity through Humanity & Inclusion. At AICS, he has supported internal organisational activities, including participating in meetings, assisting with driver coordination, and using tools such as Excel. With pride, he shares the impact of this experience: “The internship gave me a new boost, a new vision and a new way of approaching things, allowing me to enrich my knowledge.”
For both, the internship represented a transformative opportunity. Assucena highlights self-confidence as her main lesson: “Not being afraid to make mistakes is the most important thing.” She also leaves a message to other persons with disabilities: “Do not limit yourselves, do not say you are not capable. If we close our minds, we will not explore many opportunities.”
Hipólito, in turn, emphasises the fundamental role of organisations in promoting inclusion: “Before offering internship opportunities to persons with disabilities, it is essential to create accessible and inclusive workplaces.”
When asked to summarise their experience in a single word, their responses clearly reflect its impact: for Hipólito, it was “fantastic”; for Assucena, it represented above all “growth.”
The AICS Maputo Office organized a farewell and appreciation gathering with the interns, expressing its recognition for the professionalism, dedication, and commitment they demonstrated throughout the internship, and wishing them every success in their future professional paths.
This initiative demonstrates how creating inclusive working environments not only promotes equal opportunities but also helps to value talent, strengthen institutions, and build a more just and inclusive society.