Hi, I’m Lucy, and I’m going into my second year of Philosophy at UoB. This summer, I have had the privilege of working with GRACE to assist in developing their communications strategy. I am particularly interested in pursuing a marketing or communications-related career after university, so this internship has been a great way to gain valuable experience in the industry, as well as contributing to a real-world organisation that aims to make a positive change within society.
Who are GRACE
GRACE is an international charity that supports and advocates for children born of conflict related sexual violence (CRSV). They promote sustainable reconciliation for those affected through psychological support, counselling, and vocational training. GRACE is also working to implement a legal framework that protects the rights of children born of CRSV.
My role as an intern
GRACE has two primary projects currently in place: one in Ukraine and one in Uganda. My role as an intern has been to produce a communications plan for Uganda project, focusing mainly on the website and Instagram.
Our initial task was to visit the Imperial War Museum for the exhibition ‘Unsilenced’, which explored the nature of CRSV both historically and contemporarily. I found this trip to be extremely helpful in providing background context on a subject that I hadn’t been explicitly introduced to before. The exhibition offered inspiration and a sense of direction for my contribution to GRACE’s comms: it’s range of media types and use of colour to connote hope played a key role in influencing my project.
The following weeks consisted of further research. This was achieved through distinguishing GRACE’s core values, assessing their current communication methods, assessing those of similar charities, looking into the achievements and progress of the Uganda project, and numerous meetings with people linked to GRACE.
Goals and expected outcomes
After various meetings with GRACE’s trustees and the Uganda team, it became clear that there were two main areas to focus GRACE’s communications on: the positives of the project and the room still left for progress. The Uganda team highlighted the necessity of addressing the stigmatisation of children born of CRSV in their families, schools and communities and showing people the impact of the project through expressive artwork, which aligned with GRACE’s previous communication strategies (a short film and dance documentary).
My objectives were to update the website and make it more cohesive with their social media platforms, reduce the text on the Instagram and instead use it to direct viewers to the website whilst still displaying key information, and boost social media engagement.
My output
My final output consisted of a document which detailed all my ideas for the improvement of GRACE’s communications and a folder of example Instagram posts for the team to use as templates in the future.
This Internship has been highly beneficial for career experience and an opportunity to contribute to an amazing cause.