My name is Lamiaa Hassaan. I am a Telecommunications engineer, graduated in the Faculty of Engineering-Ain Shams University (Egypt). Through the ITU-D Youth Programme initiative “Youth Incentive Scheme” which promotes work experience for junior professionals in communication and related fields, and following regional selection I obtained an internship with the ITU Arab Regional Office, in Cairo

I started my work with the ITU in May 2004 and my first activity was to attend the Youth Forum–Africa 2004 that took place in Cairo, where I had the chance to meet youths from all Africa, listen to their dreams, thoughts and witness their great enthusiasm for a better future. During the forum, I worked with the BDT staff particularly with the Youth Programme Officer. This experience was a great start for my internship with the ITU-D.

During my internship period with the ITU, I achieved experience as moderator and then as administrator of the ITU-Young Leaders in ICT Network, which is a Youth Programme follow-up project of the Youth Forum World (Geneva 2003). Within the framework of this Network, I was responsible of managing the website activities as well as adding new features and creating new initiatives that would be of benefit to all ITU-Youth Forums Alumni.

Through this internship, I had the opportunity to learn how ICT can be used as a tool towards bridging the Digital Divide. Working with the ITU I also had the chance to learn how to communicate with people coming from different cultural backgrounds and how to work with them to achieve common targets.

The ITU professionals guided me in the tasks and activities developed within the framework of the Arab Office. I also had the chance to attend several seminars and workshops that added a lot to my experience, especially those related to Regulation of Telecommunications in the Arab Region.

During the internship period I achieved not only work experience in ICTs but also, knowledge in project management and great confidence in myself.

I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the ITU for giving me this unique and unforgettable chance, a chance that will have an exceptional impact on my professional life. I hope the ITU will continue this great initiative, and wish to hear soon about many new beneficiaries from all regions of the world.