Stephanie Pompelia '08 recently completed a six-month internship for the International Labour Organization (ILO) and its International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC) in Nairobi, Kenya. The largest program of its kind globally, IPEC's goal is the progressive elimination of child labor. She shares her thoughts on the experience and how it has enriched her ILR education.

What has this experience in Africa been like for you?

It's hard to even begin to put into words what has happened to me in the last five months. I realized how important it is to put yourself in another person's shoes, and that solutions to child labor problems require people with a strong academic background and, more importantly, a passion to go out into the field and help individual children. Every time I went into the field and saw the faces of the children we're trying to help, I was reminded why I came here.

Talk about IPEC's goals and what you learned working in the field about the challenges of eliminating child labor.

IPEC is focused on eliminating the worst forms of child labor. But the children this program helps are not simply victims of labor violations. Many live in extreme poverty, have little access to any type of medical care, and don't have the opportunity to obtain a quality education. That's why they're forced to work. It's hard, too, because we don't want the exploitation to go on, but how do you tell a child that she can't work when you know that means she won't be able to eat. 

How has this credit internship and the ILR School prepared you for the world of work?

This internship has opened my eyes to how much I can do with an ILR degree. The courses I'm able to take at Cornell prepare me for work not only in the U.S. and international labor movement, but also provide me with the option of working in more specialized labor-related areas, such as child labor. After this internship, I have realized there are an endless number of career possibilities that I can pursue with my degree. 

On a personal level, how has this internship changed your life?

I'd say that my interest has increased in the areas of education, public policy and international development, all which I hope to pursue in one way or another as I complete my last year at Cornell. I definitely have an increased passion to help others in the world not as fortunate as me. I know that I feel even stronger about wanting to see equality for all. Do I desire to see a perfect world? I do. It may be unrealistic, but I still hope and pray for a world that is free from all injustice. 

- Joseph Zappala