Tiina Turk
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Communication Associate
June - November, 2010
What is your background (Educational and Work Experience?)
Currently I am a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Communication Associate in Hargeisa, Somaliland, where I work with the Education Development Center, a US-based NGO. I have worked in Somali communities since 2008 when I conducted qualitative research about refugee protection and human rights in the refugee camp Dadaab, Kenya. In 2010 I started working with Kenyan Somalis in Garissa, Kenya to assist the Communication Department on external communications and NGO and project branding issues. There I compiled a handbook about youth opportunities in Garissa. At the same time I also gained experiences in monitoring micro finance projects and served as the event coordinator for a large community project exhibition during a youth summit held for several hundred youth leaders in Garissa. Prior to my African experience I completed internships at the European Council in the field of Justice and Home Affairs concentrating on migration issues and at the European Commission in the Office of the Director General for Communication. I have a master’s degree in Intercultural Communication Studies (with the main module on Migration, Ethnicity and Ethnocentrism) from the European University Viadrina, in Germany. Prior to my master’s program I had tight relationships with Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I was working for the Estonian Embassy in Berlin and later one in the headquarters in Tallinn, Estonia concentrating on bilateral relations in economical, cultural and educational collaboration with German speaking countries in Europe.
What is your role with the Shaqodoon program?
As M&E and Communication associate I am planning for, conducting and reporting on program activities of SYLP. I am also coordinating the communication between EDC and our implementing partners in order to ensure the M&E data flow and in order to identify gaps and progress in the program.
Why did you choose to volunteer with the Shaqodoon program?
Shaqodoon program offers a nice chance to work for and with young people. At the same time feeling a deep sympathy for Somalis generally it is a great opportunity for me to live and work in native Somali culture.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
The most I enjoy reading success stories of youth and to witness the progress of the program.
If you were to give future volunteers advice what would it be?
If you want to volunteer, do it with your heart!