During her McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship at the Walk Free Initiative with the Minderoo Foundation, Rachele Cardaci is helping to develop innovative strategies for combatting modern slavery.
The University of Western Australia, Bachelor of Arts student (who is studying Political Science, International Relations and Italian) is currently undertaking an internship that includes research to examine how forced labour is facilitated in the fishing sector in major fishing countries.
“The research I am completing will be used to introduce the scope of the issue to member countries at a consultation session of the Bali Process Government and Business Forum in October this year,” she said.
Ms Cardaci, 19, said the most rewarding part of her internship so far, has been seeing a real-world application of knowledge she has gained during the course of her studies at UWA.
“I have found it extremely positive to see how my studies can be applied in a practical sense to facilitate change in issues that can seem too big to tackle,” she said.
“It has also been rewarding to be working in a small team with mentors who care to see my skills develop in this field and are happy to answer my questions.
“I have really enjoyed being an intern at Walk Free and feel lucky to have contributed (at least in some small way) to the work and research in modern slavery. I think this experience has helped to give me an idea of professional opportunities for myself in the future and expanded my understanding of the issue of modern slavery in 2020. I think personally, this internship has developed my collaboration and communication skills.”
Minderoo Foundation intern supervisor, Charlotte Gwynn said she was very impressed by the way in which Rachele carried out her internship with Walk Free.
“Rachele conducted research that has helped our team to better understand the greatest areas of need in affected communities,” Ms Gwynn said.
“This desk-based scoping study supports the team in achieving our strategic objectives by providing us with helpful background for our upcoming engagement with government, business and civil society organisations in the Asia-Pacific”.
More than 1,200 students have now undertaken their internship with the McCusker Centre for Citizenship contributing more than 120,000 hours in service to the community.
Director Michelle Scott said the “overwhelming” number of applications from students to participate in the internship program was a sign that young people were increasingly seeking opportunities to engage with and give back to their communities.
“It is clear UWA students have a great appetite for internships with a social purpose,” Ms Scott said.
“They have seen the very practical way that their peers can contribute, even during the COVID-19 pandemic and want to do the same.”