Why I think faith needs it’s place in improving society

The FaithAction team have been delighted to welcome an intern for the last 3 months to provide support for our work in Parliament in getting the All Party Parliamentary Group for Faith and Society reconstituted. We asked Sabtayn to describe his experience working with the team and what he has enjoyed the most.

My time at FaithAction has been filled with learning, fun, and a newfound appreciation for the work that is done by faith-based organisations. In my time as an intern, I have gained and developed critical administrative skills, becoming more confident with applications such as Excel which will be crucial for career development. I have become more confident with computers and feel that these transferable skills have indirectly improved other skills not directly related to my work at FaithAction.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the warm and welcoming office space. The people at FaithAction are a lovely bunch to work with and were always willing to help guide me wherever I struggled and required assistance. Knowing that the help was always available was very reassuring, especially since the jump from education to career is a big leap and at times, a very daunting one.

Prior to my time as a volunteer at FaithAction, I was unsure as to how I may translate my fondness for religion and religious studies into a career. Though I am still very far from understanding how to do so, the work experience at FaithAction has provided some much-needed clarity into the paths which are available for me to carry my interest in religion into my career.

A large part of my time at FaithAction was devoted to working with the APPG. Prior to this, I had never heard of an APPG and had no idea as to what they were or what they done. These few weeks have shed light on this matter and have exposed me to the work of APPGs and specifically on Faith and Society. It is by the work that I have done with the APPG over the past few weeks that I have come to appreciate their importance in facilitating a space for faith-based organisations to work with their local communities and make change. I believe the APPG is also fundamental in challenging unjust opinions of scepticism surrounding faith-based organisations which hinder their ability to work with local authorities for societal betterment.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me by FaithAction and know that it will serve me well in the future, having gained valuable experience and having worked with a great bunch. Sincere thanks to Daniel Singleton and the rest of the team.