Name: Kashaf Batool
Class Year: 2028
Major:  Computer Science, Mathematics
 
Internship Organization:  Davis Projects for Peace
Internship Title:   Team Lead & Grantee
Location:  Chakwal, Pakistan
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

Students presenting their innovative STEM projects—from vertical farming to clean energy solutions—showing that big ideas can come from small villages

I am working on creating different STEM-based projects while also training students from my village to present them. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch their growth—when I first met them, many were shy and reserved, hesitant to speak about their ideas. Now, they confidently share their thoughts and dreams, and seeing that transformation has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this internship.
 
Why did you apply for this internship? 

Coming to Bryn Mawr on a full ride is an incredible privilege, and I felt a strong responsibility to use the opportunities I’ve been given to give back in a meaningful way. I wanted to create something that not only benefited my own growth but also made a lasting difference in my community. The Davis Projects for Peace became that outlet—it allowed me to merge my passion for education and technology with the needs of students in my village. By applying, I saw a chance to translate my academic journey into real-world impact, to empower students who often lack access to resources, and to take the first step toward the kind of long-term work I hope to continue throughout my career

Our young scientists proudly standing at the opening of the village’s first-ever Science Fair

What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn’t expect? 

One of the most important lessons I learned is that plans will almost always change—and that it’s completely okay. At the start, I hadn’t planned to train teachers and was only focused on creating STEM projects for students. But as I worked more closely with the schools, I realized that without trained teachers, the impact would not be sustainable. Adding a teacher training component was an unexpected shift, but it taught me the value of flexibility, adaptability, and thinking long-term when working on community-based projects.  

What is most rewarding about your internship? 

The entire village came together to celebrate the students’ achievements—proving that it truly takes a village to raise a child

The most rewarding moment was the final day, when I saw the entire village gathered to celebrate the children. It felt like the whole community had come alive—the kids were dressed as if it were a festival, their families stood proudly by their side, and people told me they had walked over an hour just to be there. In that moment, I truly felt the meaning of “it takes a village to raise a child.” To witness such joy, pride, and hope in one place—and to know I had played a small part in making it happen—was unforgettable. It left me excited not only for what these children will dream up next, but also for the possibilities that can grow when a community comes together.