#DoCCDiaries: Why India, why El Shaddai: A journey of growth and purpose

My name is Léo-Paul Queinec, a young Frenchman with a passion for exploring new experiences and connecting with people. Always drawn to social work and eager to immerse myself in diverse cultures, I chose to work with El Shaddai in India as part of the Global Impact Project (GIP). This decision stemmed from my desire to contribute meaningfully while embracing a vibrant, multifaceted country I had only studied about in intercultural courses. India’s presentation of languages, religions, and traditions intrigued me, and El Shaddai’s mission to care for children aligned perfectly with my values. Upon arriving at the day-care shelter, I was nervous but excited. The bustling environment, the warmth of the staff, and the children’s curious smiles quickly put me at ease. My initial days were a blend of learning and adapting—serving meals, assisting with slum school sessions, and engaging in donation drives. The heat and noise were challenges, but the joy of connecting with the children prevailed any discomfort. Gradually, I became a trusted ‘big brother’, sharing laughter, games, and heartfelt conversations.

The three and a half months at El Shaddai were a whirlwind of activity. From running hygiene campaigns in slums to crafting donation boxes and managing social media initiatives, my role evolved constantly. Highlights included organizing children’s events in Panaji and Margao and selling handcrafted items at the Hilltop Market. Every task, big or small, deepened my understanding of grassroots efforts in education and community development. As I observed the NGO’s operations, a key challenge emerged: the need to enhance El Shaddai’s presence on social media. I proposed creating dynamic video content showcasing the organisation’s impact—transparent glimpses into healthy meals prepared for children, hygiene practices, and heartfelt acknowledgments of donors like local hotels. These videos, I believed, could inspire confidence among current supporters and attract new donors. I compiled a repository of video ideas and resources for the community manager, offering tools to make engaging reels optimised for Instagram algorithms.

This journey also taught me valuable lessons in patience, adaptability, and effective communication. I realised the importance of clear intern orientation and structured educational programmes tailored to slum children’s unique needs. Using tools like Google Forms to gather data I could further align initiatives with community priorities, ensuring impactful interventions. As I reflect, this experience was transformative. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, honed my pedagogical skills, and strengthened my ability to connect across cultures. I learned to be more attentive, empathetic, and confident. The bonds I formed with the children, the wisdom gained from my colleagues, and the vibrant Indian culture will remain with me forever.

I wholeheartedly recommend such an experience to anyone seeking personal and professional growth. My deepest gratitude goes to the El Shaddai team, EDHEC GIP, and SPJIMR’s DoCC team for guiding me through this enriching journey. It was a lesson in humanity, resilience, and the enduring power of shared purpose.

SPJIMR Development of Corporate Citizenship (DoCC) has partnered with EDHEC Business School for EDHEC’s Global Impact and Mobility programme, where participants complete social internships with DoCC’s existing civil society organisation (CSO) partners. This initiative aims to address key issues such as water, education, animal rights, and women’s empowerment, promoting global responsibility.