Meet Lulu Arraiza: CLAN NCP Scholarship Holder
Interview from 21st September, 2023
What are you studying and at which institution?
Bachelor of International Studies (International Inequality and Development and Chinese) at the University of Queensland
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I aspire to use my knowledge of international development to work for an organization that is actively seeking to reduce the inequalities that people face across the world. By interning with CLAN, I know that I will continuously learn what my place in that is.
What motivates you to work hard and to do what you do?
Being part of a network of people working towards the same goals motivates me to do as much as I can. I know that each person within CLAN all have their own role, and what we accomplish is made easier with each person who helps.
How and when did you (or will you) start working with CLAN, and what motivated you to do so?
I discovered CLAN through the NCP Scholarship Internships opportunities network. I saw that their passion for improving people's standard of living, specifically in regards to healthcare, matched my own. I knew I could learn a lot from them, as it was a goal of mine to work in an NGO and understand how they actually operate.
What is your role (or will be your role) within CLAN and what projects are you currently working on (or will be working on)?
I am a Community Development Officer with CLAN in the Philippines. I get to work with the Cancer Warriors Foundation CEO to attend important discussions and workshops on improving healthcare in the Philippines. I am currently making a short video to promote the Book For Young Women with CAH. I also aim to work with local health professionals and develop a Health Needs Assessment for people with CAH in the Philippines.
What has been the most inspiring moment within your work with CLAN so far?
Through the events that I have been attending, it is incredible to see just how many people, especially healthcare workers, are fighting for improvement of their healthcare systems to benefit their patients. Their level of knowledge and understanding of the issues specific to the Philippines and their local provinces, as well as the solutions, are inspiring to hear.
What advice would you provide to people who want to get involved with CLAN?
I have found CLAN to be an incredible welcoming organization and group of people. There are a variety of people in different fields that can be of help to CLAN's mission. Just reach out to them and see what you can contribute.
What are you most excited about working on with CLAN?
My internship program with CLAN is 5 months long. Throughout this time, I look forward to gaining a truly in depth knowledge of the issues faced by people, especially children, living with NCDs in the Philippines. And the solutions and pathways to improving these conditions.
How has working with CLAN shaped your worldview?
After studying international development issues in theory until this point, my experience with CLAN has given me the chance to witness these issues as they are in reality. And what has really blown me away is the amount of work constantly being put in, by people like those in CLAN, and other organizations and individuals, to push for change. It has shown me that there are so many passionate people who are really dedicated to improving the lives of others.
How has working with CLAN opened up new opportunities?
As my first experience with working in an NGO, my internship with CLAN will be invaluable to my understanding of this field and how to use my skills within it. Working in a different country and making connections with a variety of people will also open many doors for me, even after returning to Australia. Finally, there are so many incredible people guiding me and mentoring me throughout the whole process to make sure we both benefit.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working with CLAN has opened my eyes to so many opportunities that are available to me. In 5 years, after graduating from my Bachelor's, I see myself either working overseas again, or continuing my studies to further enhance my skills and what I am able to contribute to missions such as CLAN's.
What are you studying and at which institution?
Bachelor of International Studies (International Inequality and Development and Chinese) at the University of Queensland
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I aspire to use my knowledge of international development to work for an organization that is actively seeking to reduce the inequalities that people face across the world. By interning with CLAN, I know that I will continuously learn what my place in that is.
What motivates you to work hard and to do what you do?
Being part of a network of people working towards the same goals motivates me to do as much as I can. I know that each person within CLAN all have their own role, and what we accomplish is made easier with each person who helps.
How and when did you (or will you) start working with CLAN, and what motivated you to do so?
I discovered CLAN through the NCP Scholarship Internships opportunities network. I saw that their passion for improving people's standard of living, specifically in regards to healthcare, matched my own. I knew I could learn a lot from them, as it was a goal of mine to work in an NGO and understand how they actually operate.
What is your role (or will be your role) within CLAN and what projects are you currently working on (or will be working on)?
I am a Community Development Officer with CLAN in the Philippines. I get to work with the Cancer Warriors Foundation CEO to attend important discussions and workshops on improving healthcare in the Philippines. I am currently making a short video to promote the Book For Young Women with CAH. I also aim to work with local health professionals and develop a Health Needs Assessment for people with CAH in the Philippines.
What has been the most inspiring moment within your work with CLAN so far?
Through the events that I have been attending, it is incredible to see just how many people, especially healthcare workers, are fighting for improvement of their healthcare systems to benefit their patients. Their level of knowledge and understanding of the issues specific to the Philippines and their local provinces, as well as the solutions, are inspiring to hear.
What advice would you provide to people who want to get involved with CLAN?
I have found CLAN to be an incredible welcoming organization and group of people. There are a variety of people in different fields that can be of help to CLAN's mission. Just reach out to them and see what you can contribute.
What are you most excited about working on with CLAN?
My internship program with CLAN is 5 months long. Throughout this time, I look forward to gaining a truly in depth knowledge of the issues faced by people, especially children, living with NCDs in the Philippines. And the solutions and pathways to improving these conditions.
How has working with CLAN shaped your worldview?
After studying international development issues in theory until this point, my experience with CLAN has given me the chance to witness these issues as they are in reality. And what has really blown me away is the amount of work constantly being put in, by people like those in CLAN, and other organizations and individuals, to push for change. It has shown me that there are so many passionate people who are really dedicated to improving the lives of others.
How has working with CLAN opened up new opportunities?
As my first experience with working in an NGO, my internship with CLAN will be invaluable to my understanding of this field and how to use my skills within it. Working in a different country and making connections with a variety of people will also open many doors for me, even after returning to Australia. Finally, there are so many incredible people guiding me and mentoring me throughout the whole process to make sure we both benefit.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working with CLAN has opened my eyes to so many opportunities that are available to me. In 5 years, after graduating from my Bachelor's, I see myself either working overseas again, or continuing my studies to further enhance my skills and what I am able to contribute to missions such as CLAN's.
