Voices of Change: Celebrating Our Interns’ Journeys at SAS Foundation
At the Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation (SAS Foundation), we believe that meaningful change begins with empowered individuals. Over the past few years, our internship programs have become platforms for young minds to engage with real-world issues, develop professional skills, and most importantly—find purpose.
Today, we are excited to share the experiences of some of our incredible interns through heartfelt video testimonials. These voices reflect not just the success of a program, but the deep transformation that occurs when passion meets purpose.
A Platform for Real-World Learning
Internships at SAS Foundation are not just about observing from the sidelines. Whether interns join the Green Champion Internship or the IT Internship, they are actively involved in community-driven work from day one. They’re not only gaining work experience but also understanding the ground realities of the society they live in.
Many of our interns come in with curiosity—and leave with clarity. They engage in activities such as organizing e-waste drives, building digital tools for outreach, conducting surveys, creating awareness campaigns, and facilitating workshops in schools and communities. Each task offers them a chance to contribute, lead, and grow.
💬 What the Interns Are Saying
The testimonials we’ve received are not scripted; they are raw, honest reflections of each intern’s journey. Here are just a few glimpses from the voices that have made our programs so special:
“Before this internship, I had no idea what e-waste even meant beyond the basics. But once I got involved in collection drives and awareness sessions, I realized the scale of the issue—and how we can be part of the solution,” shared Anjali, a Green Champion intern from Lucknow.
Ravi, another intern, reflected, “Speaking at a school about sustainability was a first for me. I never thought I could influence young minds, but that experience changed my confidence level. It was empowering.”
In our IT Internship, the stories are just as inspiring. Shreya, a computer science student, said, “We built dashboards and digital forms that the Foundation actually used for fieldwork. Knowing that our code had a real-world impact was deeply motivating.”
🔧 Hands-On Work, Real Impact
Interns often say the best part of their experience is that they weren’t doing “dummy” tasks. Every activity had a purpose and a visible outcome. For example:
Interns in the Green Champion Program helped collect hundreds of kilos of e-waste, actively contributing to sustainability goals.
IT interns developed and tested systems to manage volunteer data, support campaign tracking, and even automate parts of the Foundation’s daily operations.
Many helped design posters, social media content, and community engagement material to support SAS Foundation’s outreach programs.
These weren’t abstract exercises—they were initiatives that shaped real-world impact.
🌱 Personal Growth Beyond the Resume
One of the most beautiful aspects of our internship programs is witnessing personal transformation. Many interns start off hesitant or unsure, and end up leading campaigns, speaking at events, and taking responsibility with pride.
Kavya, a college student, shared:
“I used to be someone who would shy away from group discussions. But this internship gave me so many chances to speak, plan, and lead. Now, I’m much more confident in myself—not just professionally, but personally too.”
It’s not uncommon for interns to say they discovered their passion during the internship. Some even decide to take up careers in the development sector, social entrepreneurship, or environmental activism after their time with us.
🤝 Mentorship and Community
At SAS Foundation, we don’t just assign tasks—we build relationships. Each intern is supported by a mentor who guides them, encourages their strengths, and helps them navigate challenges.
We also foster a strong sense of peer learning. Interns often work in teams, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate across domains. Over time, they build connections that go beyond the internship—some even form lasting friendships or networks of changemakers.
This sense of community is one of the reasons many interns return for future collaborations, volunteer in Foundation activities, or refer others to join the program.
💡 A Sense of Responsibility
It’s heartwarming to hear how the internship experience changed how interns perceive their daily lives. Many now practice waste segregation at home, educate their families on sustainability, or volunteer in local clean-up drives.
Tanya, a Green Champion intern, summed it up beautifully:
“The internship made me more aware—not just of the environment, but of my role in society. Now I notice things I used to ignore. I feel more responsible, more connected to my community.”
🏆 Recognition That Matters
While the SAS Foundation provides completion certificates, letters of recommendation, and social media spotlights to recognize our interns, what they value most is the experience itself.
Interns leave with a better understanding of teamwork, leadership, project management, communication, and social responsibility—all of which stay with them long after the internship ends.
Many interns go on to present their experiences in college presentations, include their projects in resumes, or even cite their SAS Foundation work during interviews. We’ve heard from several who got placed or shortlisted in roles thanks to the exposure and confidence they gained during our program.
🚀 What’s Next?
We are excited to build on this momentum. In the coming months, SAS Foundation will launch new internship programs in areas like:
Digital Health & Cyber Awareness
Legal Literacy and Women’s Rights
Tech for Rural Development
Climate Innovation Projects
Each new offering will continue our core mission: to empower youth with real-world exposure, a sense of purpose, and the tools to create impact.
Final Thoughts: It’s Just the Beginning
As we watch our interns share their journeys through video testimonials, we are filled with pride, gratitude, and hope. Their voices are a testament to the power of experiential learning, mentorship, and community involvement.
To all our interns—past and present—thank you for believing in change. Thank you for showing up, speaking up, and stepping forward. The world needs more leaders like you.
And to all those reading this, if you’re looking for an internship that challenges you, shapes you, and inspires you—stay tuned. Your journey could be next.