My name is Ryan O’Connell, I am 22 years of age and I am from Cork city. Studying International Development and Food Policy in UCC has given me the opportunity to travel and live in Vietnam for placement, an opportunity that I have been eagerly looking forward to since I began my studies. I am doing an internship for an NGO called the Centre for Development and Integration (CDI). Although my job title/description is for a marketing and branding internship, my tasks and duties go far beyond what the title would infer.
My main aim is to increase the awareness and brand recognition of VietFarm. VietFarm is a Vietnamese agricultural standardizing body set up by the Centre for Development and Integration, thanks to the support and funding of Irish Aid. One of my main tasks was to research the requirements and standards of various different markets around the world; to understand what the opportunities and challenges of exporting Vietnamese agricultural products to higher valued markets are. One such market with future potential for Vietnamese exports is the European market, due to the new European Vietnamese Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) which has been proposed and could bring a major economic boost to both economies.
To increase the traceability and transparency of VietFarm products, I have researched and received proposals from partners involved in blockchain systems. This technological advancement could increase the export potential and hence improve the livelihood of producers, as well as prevent the wastage of resources, resulting in greater environmentally sustainable agricultural practices in Vietnam. Another task of mine for CDI is to create more social media platforms for VietFarm in order to engage with a larger target audience. I had to create a social media policy for members of CDI staff as well as a logbook to easily and effectively organise content. I have mainly concentrated on producer case stories as well as short pieces about the benefits of VietFarm standards.
I have also been given the opportunity to by CDI to visit VietFarm producers in Moc Chau. During the visit I had to opportunity to see the training courses take place as well as prepare for events taking place on the farm. VietFarm had organized a farmer’s market, where producers could sell their products and showcase their hard work. The trip also consisted of a charity run through the mountainous region of Moc Chau. My duty was to take photographs of the event. After the run we went to a local school to donate the money raised during the event. Finally, we walked around the school picking up any rubbish that had been dumped.
I have gained vital experience in report-writing, marketing, researching, teamwork and how an NGO is run. My experience with CDI has changed my perception of NGOs. I am now able to fully appreciate all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
International Development Placement 2019 