IofC Australia is strengthening the global IofC network through its new PeopleCraft program, which provides support for hosting IofC workers from other countries. In 2019, PeopleCraft is hosting IofC partners from India, Indonesia, and Zimbabwe.

Tinotenda Mhungu from Zimbabwe, Dahlia Rera O from Indonesia, and Abidha Niphade from India all work with IofC back in their home countries and came to IofC Australia to create stronger networks and promote collaboration amongst IofC’s younger generation. They are now well on their way to completing their April-June program of service and relationship building in Australia. Simone Richardson spoke with them to hear how they’ve been getting on.

What have you learned or are enjoying the most about the program so far?
 

Tinotenda: The power of a network. In Australia, I have been exposed to an IofC that is focused on hope and story sharing, and I believe that it is this framework that makes their work sustainable. 

Rera: The insight and inspiration from the many people I have met and the people who run the IofC programs. Particularly, the ‘behind the scenes’ part of building a program and the planning involved to encourage things to run smoothly.

Abidha: The acceptance and independence of a different culture and community perspective. Also exploring new group dynamics, and personal sensitivity towards each other.

What are you most excited to implement, from this program, in future IofC projects at home?

Tinotenda: I am excited to model the roles I have seen at IofC Australia within the Zimbabwe community. Together we can achieve purity, selflessness and love, and come out more effectively.

Rera: For the first project, I am excited to make a ‘stories of change’ book. This will include people from many countries sharing their ‘change’ stories and will create a sense of engagement for all IofC communities.

Abidha: I am already engaged in IofC work back home in India but after this program my vision has become much clearer. As I am a lawyer and mindful of the need for legal awareness in women in India, I would like to develop a program, using my new skills, that will focus on this need.

What do you like most about your stay at Armagh?

Tinotenda: The people. Although Armagh is a big place, it is consumed by the people and their shared passion and devotion to sharing a community. I have never once felt lonely here.

Rera: I have found a new family at Armagh. I love how everyone works together. We are not family by blood, but we can create our own family in which we work together.

Abidha: The relationships amongst people. My stay at Armagh has created strong bonds in relationships, that will continue to exist across the borders and provide support whenever it is needed.