“I wanted to better understand how social enterprises, NGOs, and nonprofits work – and to learn directly from the field, not just through screens & books. My internship was eye-opening to real-world scenarios and potential future career paths.”
For those eager to roll up their sleeves and make a difference, this Social Entrepreneurship Internship in Malawi is more than just a placement – it’s a chance to become part of something bigger. Nestled along the shores of Nkhata Bay, interns join forces with passionate changemakers to strengthen programs empowering women, advancing menstrual health, and building resilient communities. Keep reading.
Key Facts about this NGO Management Internship in Malawi
Location: Nkhata Bay, Malawi
Academic Focus Area: NGO Management, Social Enterprise, Women’s Empowerment
Length: Min. 8 weeks
The Internship
From financial planning and reporting to field coordination and impact storytelling – business development interns gain exposure to the many moving parts of grassroots development.
Jack’s placement with Supreme Sanitary Pads focused on the daily operations of producing reusable pads and promoting menstrual health education, while also contributing to fundraising reports, documentation, and community outreach.
This Gender Equality Internship experience offered Jack a mixture of strategic grassroots work and on-the-ground learning, while supporting community-driven initiatives. As a result, each day offered something new for Jack, where he was able to see the direct impact of the host organization’s work in rural Malawi.
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The Organization
Supreme Sanitary Pads is a social enterprise based in Nkhata Bay, northern Malawi, with a mission to promote menstrual justice. This is accomplished through producing reusable sanitary pads and running menstrual hygiene education programs across local communities, aiming to ensure that girls and women have safe, hygienic periods and always fully participate in school or work.
The organization focuses on tackling two main issues: lack of access to menstrual products for women in Malawi, and traditional beliefs and taboos around menstruation that prevent girls and women from being involved in all aspects of society. Interns gain exposure to the day-to-day running of a social enterprise, including business strategy, marketing and fundraising campaigns, operations, product development, impact assessment, and community outreach.
By interning with this gender equality organization in Malawi, you have the chance to work at the grassroots community level to break stigma and empower women and girls.
Learn More About this Social Enterprise in Malawi
About Jack
Jack is an Indiana University student passionate about social impact, with a strong curiosity for how NGOs and social enterprises operate in real-world settings. He joined the Social Entrepreneurship Internship in Nkhata Bay, Malawi, through the Kelley Institute for Social Impact (KISI) Summer Internship Program to see how businesses and social impact intersect on the ground.
His main goals were to gain hands-on management experience beyond the classroom, understand how community-based projects function sustainably, and experience Malawi through meaningful relationships with local community members. Jack was particularly drawn to this social enterprise because of its entrepreneurial model for women’s empowerment.
See If You Are Eligible to Earn University Credits During Your Internship
Lessons Learned
Learning to Adapt
“I came to see that things rarely go as planned – and honestly, that’s just how it is. Even without a clear Plan B, you have to figure things out in the moment”.
During his internship, Jack discovered that life in rural Malawi rarely follows a strict schedule. Unexpected challenges – like transport delays, sudden changes at project sites, or evolving community needs – were part of the daily routine. Rather than seeing these moments as setbacks, he learned to embrace them as opportunities to think creatively, problem-solve on the spot, and stay present in the moment.
This experience taught Jack the invaluable skill of flexibility, showing him that being able to adjust gracefully to change is just as important as thorough planning. Over time, he gained confidence in navigating uncertainty, building resilience, and finding solutions even in unfamiliar situations. Through these challenges, Jack saw firsthand that adaptability not only keeps projects running smoothly, but also allows for richer learning experiences, deeper community connections, and a greater sense of personal growth.
Professional Growth
“Working with colleagues from multiple countries taught me to adapt my style – simplifying language, using visuals, and actively listening to ensure clear understanding”.
During his internship, Jack had the chance to work alongside a diverse team of local staff, volunteers, and international colleagues, which provided a rich environment for developing cross-cultural communication skills. He learned how to adjust his approach depending on the audience, using clarity, patience, and creativity to ensure ideas were understood and collaboration flowed smoothly.
Beyond communication, Jack honed practical professional skills that will serve him in any future career. He gained experience in project planning and reporting, including budgeting, donor updates, and documentation, strengthening his organizational and analytical abilities. He also developed teamwork and leadership skills by collaborating with people in different roles and settings, learning how to navigate group dynamics, delegate responsibilities, and celebrate shared successes.
Discovering New Career Directions
Jack’s time in the villages of Ruarwe exposed him to healthcare delivery in rural settings and opened his eyes to possibilities that he had never thought about prior to being an intern in Malawi. Observing doctors and nurses in the project helped him see how businesses and social enterprise skills can be applied to healthcare management and public health initiatives. Jack discovered intersections between social impact, development, and health systems that were completely new to him. And in doing so, it sparked curiosity for Jack to further research the structural challenges in development projects, such as funding, resources, and sustainability.
“Spending time in Ruarwe with a doctor and nurse opened my eyes to new possibilities. I started to take a real interest in health systems – something I had never considered before”.
Learn How Internship Experiences Can Shape Your Career
Internships through Roots, like Jack’s, are designed to help you learn, discover, and grow professionally. By stepping into real-world projects, interns explore how their skills can create tangible impact, while simultaneously uncovering career paths that align with their passions and values. This kind of immersive learning is transformative, showing that professional growth isn’t just about what you do – it’s about discovering where you can make the most meaningful difference.
Understanding Impact from the Ground Up
“I realized that real impact isn’t just about passion – it’s about building systems that can sustain change long after you leave”
After completing his social entrepreneurship internship, Jack reflected on the insight he had gained into learning how social enterprises operate sustainably – balancing profit investments, community engagement, and mission-driven work. He learned that impact isn’t simply about good intentions; it requires lots of planning, organization, and long-term strategy to make a real difference.
Through this experience, Jack developed a deeper appreciation for grassroots development and the everyday efforts that go into driving positive change. He learned that lasting impact comes from supporting local communities, creating resilient systems, and working alongside people to empower them, insights that will stay with him as he continues to explore how he can make a difference in the world.
Memorable Moments
Jack’s most unforgettable experience was joining the Ruarwe Project, as it allowed Jack to witness the realities of rural development, limited healthcare, and the community spirit that drives grassroots projects.
“Being part of the Ruarwe Project – taking a ferry across Lake Malawi, staying in the village, and delivering awareness sessions – was an experience I will never forget.”
Jack felt that the journey itself was an adventure as he travelled eight hours across Lake Malawi and immersed himself in the entire experience. Jack worked alongside community leaders, teachers, and volunteers to deliver menstrual health awareness sessions and distribute sanitary pads and school supplies to girls and young women. His involvement allowed him to understand the impact grassroots projects have on daily life, which was far beyond what he could have learned from classrooms or project reports.
He also stayed in the village, which gave him the opportunity to experience daily life in a rural Malawian community, from observing local customs to sharing meals with families. By involving himself in these moments, he was able to understand the cultural practices and witness resilience and community spirit firsthand. Beyond the work, Jack highlighted the personal connections he made by meeting students, community members, and local staff, giving him long-lasting memories into the real challenges and triumphs of social enterprises in Malawi.
As a result, the Ruarwe Project became more than just a project for Jack, as it became an immersive cultural and professional learning experience demonstrating the compassion needed in meaningful grassroots work.
Embark on your own meaningful journey with Roots
Does Jack’s Social Entrepreneurship Internship experience inspire your passion for social business development, fundraising strategies, or community development work? Explore all of our gender equality internships to find the opportunity that aligns with your interests, passions, and career goals. The Roots team is always ready to chat to help you secure an internship that gives you hands-on experience, practical skills, and unforgettable memories around the globe!
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This blog was written by Faye Johnson
