Karusha Moonsamy
Matteo Veriani

Cooperation with university staff:

Nico Smit was the NUST liaison that we worked with for the duration of the September 2022 trip. His services were invaluable, and he helped ensure that everything went smoothly and that the program was as successful as it was. He was friendly, easy to work with and always availed himself when we needed anything from him. He was reliable and always ensured that he delivered what we needed to when we needed to. A big thank you to Nico and his international relations colleagues for their support and assistance.

Collaboration with B360

The collaboration with B360 was consistent from the get go. I have to say a massive thank you to Sabina and Sybille for all their help, input and check-ins. This was truly valued and appreciated! We really appreciated Sabina presence during the assignment, which helped further aligning on the content.

Collaboration with students

Interacting and collaborating with the students was the highlight of the entire trip. The students were all eager to learn and took what they were taught and integrated it into the mock interviews and final presentations beautifully. There was a high level of engagement, interaction and participation as well as a shared learning experience. They were open and inviting from day one, putting their trust in us and allowing us to guide them without hesitation. 

The students took this experience and made it their own as they collectively put in the time and effort needed to make this a success, allowing us to guide them on this journey.  It was really fantastic to witness their growth and it was very clear to see that the people that started the course were not the same people that completed the course.

Memorable event

The whole CSW experience was a memorable event, but what stands out for me was receiving the card below. It was unexpected and was such a nice gesture from the group 1 students.

Some of the other moments that stand out are experiencing the Namibian hospitality and enjoying some of the tastiest meat ever!

We also had the opportunity to participate to a NUST Networking event where we had the opportunity to get to know better the local staff and to learn about the University initiatives. 

Impact and win-win

It was very interesting to see the entrepreneurial spirit that was present in most of the students that participated in this course. While we guided them on interviews how-to’s, or guided them on the application process to better their chances of getting an interview and securing a job, the focus on entrepreneurship helped them explore the potential of opening up or formalizing their own small/micro business.

The fact that we had a local and international volunteer was also impactful, as it provided insight into both the local and international corporate world.

Personal message

This whole experience has been incredibly fulfilling especially when hearing feedback from the students which included:

“Program has been life changing”

“On another level”

“Super impactful”

“I feel uplifted’

“Things can only go upwards from here‘.

I do not have the correct words to express the emotional connection that I feel towards Namibia, Windhoek and the students. While I was very excited to head home and see my loved ones at the end of the program, I felt a deep sadness for leaving Namibia and the students. Who knew that the skills that I have acquired over the course of my career (and that I use in my everyday role) could be so impactful and could possibly help kick-start someone's career. 

This entire trip was such an amazing experience! I feel as though I have grown both professionally and personally and I am very grateful to have been a part of this and be afforded the opportunity to give back in this way. 

-        Karusha

This experience gave me a lot, not only I experienced an amazing Country with fantastic people, but this was also a very rewarding experience from a professional point of view. Being a lecturer and coaching students helped me gaining new skills as well and made me realize what a great impact we can have on others by sharing our corporate experience.

I will remain in contact with the students and I will make myself available to support and coach them in their career journey.

-        Matteo