Background
Most Uyghur youth in diaspora are recent migrants or are from migrant backgrounds and need support in terms of understanding the types of opportunities that exist, applying to those opportunities, and creating networks to further their career goals. Internships are an excellent way for students and recent graduates to gain training, development, and experience in roles where they and the people around them may have no experience with. However, access to these internships may be limited to Uyghurs due to:
- Limited awareness from the community or the institutions they have access to in their new places of residence
- Limited knowledge on how to apply and get into internships
- Limited networks
These issues become yet another hurdle for Uyghurs in diaspora communities trying to establish successful lives after being cut off from their homeland, and for many, their families. An access to internships program will help at least one cohort receive the opportunities to achieve their goals and improve both their and their community’s quality of life.
A2I
Through the A2I program, we hoped to provide support for young Uyghur/Turkic youth to gain professional work experience and develop networks. Thus, we facilitated access to internships at prominent national and international organisations. After applying to the A2I program, applications were reviewed and selected youth were called for an interview. Successful applicants were provided with training and guidance when needed, and connected to an organisation that that connected with the Tarim Network for this program.
