MPP Student: Mayamiko Chimbali

Where: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Organization: Miracle Corners Tanzania (MC Tanzania)

Navigating community health and public policy

This past summer, I had the privilege of interning with Miracle Corners Tanzania (MC Tanzania), a branch of MCW Global dedicated to empowering communities through health, education, and leadership initiatives. My role as a Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Intern provided valuable experience in nonprofit management and public policy applications, with a focus on fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach.

Supporting resource mobilization and partnerships

One of my key responsibilities at MC Tanzania was supporting the organization’s resource mobilization efforts to secure funding for various community health initiatives. I worked closely with the partnerships team to draft funding proposals targeting corporate donors. This experience allowed me to refine my grant-writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of how nonprofit organizations align their objectives with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.

Additionally, I collaborated on the development of concept notes for major events, including the MCT Tanzania Marathon and the Annual Oral Health and Dental Care Summit. These documents served as strategic blueprints, outlining objectives, logistics, and funding opportunities to enhance community engagement and program sustainability.

Engaging with stakeholders and capacity building

Beyond proposal writing, my role involved conducting stakeholder research to identify potential partnerships that aligned with MC Tanzania’s mission. By initiating dialogues with key organizations and professionals, I contributed to laying the groundwork for meaningful and lasting collaborations.

A particularly rewarding aspect of my internship was participating in capacity-building workshops. I had the opportunity to facilitate sessions for Community Oral Health Fellows, where I presented resource mobilization strategies and engaged in discussions on sustainable health initiatives. Attending the AHEAD Health Symposium further broadened my perspective on health policy and nonprofit collaboration.

Takeaways for my future

My time at MC Tanzania significantly enhanced my career perspective by offering firsthand exposure to the intersections of public policy, resource mobilization, and community health. I gained valuable experience in strategic fundraising, learning the importance of crafting compelling proposals that align with donor priorities. Building relationships with stakeholders proved crucial for policy implementation and project success, while facilitating workshops and presenting ideas strengthened my confidence and communication skills. Navigating an evolving nonprofit environment required flexibility, problem-solving, and initiative, reinforcing my ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic settings.

Moving forward

This internship has deepened my commitment to leveraging public policy to drive impactful community programs. It has provided me with practical tools for advancing sustainable development initiatives and reinforced my passion for working at the intersection of health and policy.

As I continue my academic and professional journey, I am eager to apply these insights in future roles within policy research, nonprofit management, and international development. I am grateful for the experience and look forward to contributing to meaningful, community-driven change.

~ The views represented in this blog post do not necessarily represent those of the Brandt School. ~