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Development internships with eco-sustainable organization

Based in Nkhata Bay, in Northern Malawi, Butterfly Space is a nonprofit eco-lodge concept developed by two friends. It is a one-of-a-kind social impact program that houses an inclusive space for on and off-site initiatives which aim for beneficial and sustainable community development.

Butterfly Space is home to a variety of social impact programs that range from youth development, information center, healthcare support, environmental education, and more. As a certified nonprofit organization, they reinvest 100% of their profit back into these programs.

More specifically, Butterfly Space focuses their efforts in these areas:

  • Youth education and development: education is offered to both paying and non-paying children from surrounding communities through Stepping Stones International Primary School, several nursing school, vocational training programs, and extracurricular activities through Malawi Schools Permaculture Clubs;
  • Skill development: dedicated Butterfly Information Center can be found on-site which offers access to information, computer access, IT lessons, TedTalks, educational information, courses, and videos. Furthermore, the center also offers skill development such as using computers for research purposes, CV and letter writing, Microsoft Suite, and general health/nutrition lessons;
  • Media development: a fully-equipped Butterfly Media Centre is on-site to allow people from local communities to express their creativity and talents through music, radio, camera, and recordings;
  • Health and HIV support: The Uje Umampha! (Be Well!) program provides essential support for those living with HIV. The program offers support groups, education, and counseling whenever possible to those in need. Butterfly Lodge also supports 2 Vocational Training & Disability Support Centers, which offers various support to people living with disabilities;
  • Female empowerment: ample attention is dedicated to local women, where women’s groups are formed to support each other both through new skill development and education. These spaces also allow local women to sell hand-made products, thus supporting themselves and their families financially as well.

Butterfly Space is dedicated to making tangible positive changes to the lives of local communities with a wide range of initiatives and programs, and it offers great chances to those eager to help out in a variety of areas with their skills and experiences.

A group of people in Malawi stands under a large tree, attentively participating in an agroforestry demonstration. They wear vibrant clothing and are focused on the activity in their rural setting.

Open for applications

Agroecology Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Environmental Sustainability, Capacity Building, Organizational Development
Take an active role in empowering rural communities through workshops focused on food and water security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
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Community Development Internship

Open for applications

Community Development Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Education, Community Development, Networking
Be part of a hub for social impact initiatives in a rural community in Malawi
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feature kids Malawi

Open for applications

Nonprofit Education Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Education, Teaching, Curriculum development
Teach classes, help train local teachers, and develop and run afterschool programs
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kids feature

Open for applications

Digital Marketing Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Digital Marketing, Fundraising, Social Media
Raise awareness and funding to help provide high quality education.
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sustainable tourism eco-lodge internship in Malawi

Open for applications

Sustainable Tourism Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Nkhata Bay, Malawi
  • Digital Marketing, Eco-Tourism, Sustainable Development
Enhance your strategic development skills within sustainable tourism, making a positive impact on the environment and community with a Malawian eco-lodge.
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Why Intern with Butterfly Space

Find out from our previous interns how internships with Butterfly Space can jumpstart your professional career and expand your soft skills.

Roots Interns connected me with the perfect organization to grow my personal and professional skills. With their help I was able to travel to Malawi and be a part of projects that make a tangible impact in the community. I was able to see first-hand how nonprofits function in a developing country and the work I did made changes that I could see reflected in my time on the ground. This internship changed my career goals by exposing me to a whole new way of working and I couldn’t be more thankful to Roots Interns for the role they played... See More

Amanda, American – Indiana Universtiy

Community Development Internship, Malawi

Malawi will forever hold a deeply special place in my heart! The team at my host organization and in the community were so welcoming that I grew to feel fully part of life in Malawi. I got the chance to explore all around the country while being immersed in the culture and making incredible new friends. Being based on the shores of Lake Malawi was truly like waking up in paradise each morning and there were plenty of activities and adventures to be had. Each day brought something new and my internship abroad has truly shaped my future.

Amanda, American – Indiana University

Community Development Internship, Malawi

Interning in Malawi allowed me to not only work on their current projects, but also venture off on my own to make new connections within the community. I was able to meet so many different community leaders, teachers, mentors, and coaches within Nkhata Bay and surrounding villages. I feel like I was able to not only bring new knowledge and ideas to the people of Nkhata Bay, but also learn so much from them and develop in my own way. It was truly a beautiful experience that I will always be grateful for, and has encouraged a future of volunteering... See More

Kya, American – Harris-Stowe State University

Community Development Internship, Malawi