Charity Development Internship in Uganda

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Enjoy a truly unique work experience joining a grassroots music charity in Uganda

You’ll be part of a nonprofit organization that teaches music lessons to kids who wouldn’t be able to afford musical instruments. The charity thoroughly believes that through music lessons, kids learn valuable life lessons, and gain a huge amount of motivation and inspiration.

As an intern, you’ll help with the overall development of this nonprofit initiative. This will involve exploring a variety of fundraising opportunities, helping design and implement a communications strategy, and putting systems in place for monitoring and evaluation. It’s a hugely varied and rewarding work experience. You’ll be guided by a digital marketing and fundraising expert based in South Africa, who will check in with you regularly.

Not unimportantly, you’ll get to live in Uganda; a stunning and welcoming country that offers a wealth of travel opportunities.

Learning objectives

  • Gain a thorough understanding of social impact projects on a grassroots level
  • Learn about different fundraising mechanisms and how to utilize them effectively
  • Enjoy a full cultural immersion experience, as you’ll be living in a rural community in Uganda

ORGANIZATION

The Living Music Foundation, founded in 2017, is an NGO based in Mbarara, Uganda. Their passion is music, and having seen the transformative impact that the performing arts can have on children in developing countries (and around the world), they have devoted their work to sharing this gift. The founders of the Living Music Foundation believe that exposure to music can provide children with many positive life skills, including commitment and discipline. It also builds character and helps develop self-esteem.

Their main goal is to provide music lessons for children who are economically or socially challenged. By offering music lessons free of charge, they provide an outlet for kids who are lacking family or community support. The lessons take place either in their Mbarara centre as well as in the home communities of the children. Music is meant to be shared, and once the children develop their skills, they are able to share their talent with their communities, creating a happy and uplifting atmosphere for everyone.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Responsibilities

As a charity development intern, you’ll help to raise the profile of the Living Music Foundation in a number of ways. Your tasks will include;

  • Creating and managing social media channels
  • Helping develop digital media strategies
  • Doing fundraising research
  • Putting funding proposals and grant applications together
  • Designing and running online fundraising campaigns
  • Helping put monitoring and evaluation tools in place
  • Helping design effective communications channels with (potential) donors

Requirements

  • Strong writing skills and fluency in English
  • An ability to work very independently
  • A flexible and resourceful approach
  • A passion for music and the work the organization is doing
  • Strong communication skills
  • A desire to take responsibility on a project

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

During your internship you will be provided with the opportunity to stay with a local family. This homestay arrangement is the best way to get to know the community you will be living in for 2-4 months. Plus, you won’t have to miss that family feeling while you are away from home. A homestay allows you to be immersed in the local culture and have guidance and support during your stay. If requested, we can also provide alternative accommodation options at a hostel or apartment; fees will vary.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Uganda presents a unique travel experience, and while it is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions to ensure your safety during your visit. If you’re out after dark, consider using reputable transportation options like trusted taxis or rideshare services rather than walking.

Uganda, like any other country, has its own unique cultural norms, values, and practices. Engaging respectfully with the local community shows an understanding and appreciation for these cultural differences, which helps to avoid unintentional offense and misunderstanding.

Communication

Communication

You can opt for international roaming, which requires enabling the service before you depart from your home country. However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative, obtaining a local SIM card is recommended. To acquire a local SIM card and airtime or data bundles, simply visit an MTN or Airtel store, and make sure to have your passport with you for identification purposes.

Meals

Meals

Your host family will provide you with access to safe drinking water and you will join them for breakfast and dinner (lunch will be had with the staff). Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requests or restrictions.

Location details

Location details

During your time in Mbarara, you will have the chance to visit other nearby communities, cultural sites and museums, and game parks to spot wild animals! There will be plenty of opportunities to hike, play sports, go swimming, and do many more fun activities. There are also offer local language lessons offered for those who are interested.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Start and end dates for the internship with this organization are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)

2 months USD 2,552

3 months USD 2,891

4 months USD 3,229

5 months USD 3,602

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Accommodation based on a homestay option – other accommodation options are available and fees will vary
  • Airport transfers upon arrival & departure
  • Daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship

Exclusions

  • Flights to Kampala
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing).
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Mbarara, Uganda
PROGRAM FOCUS: Music NGO
TASK FOCUS: Communication, Fundraising, Music, Youth Program
LENGTH: Min. 8 Weeks
COST: From USD 2,552

REVIEWS

“I surely enjoyed the landscapes of Uganda, the wonderful nature and wildlife. I loved the company of the children, that make you smile no matter what, and of the local people, who were interested in my country as much as I was keen to learn more about Uganda.I loved discovering the traditions and history of this beautiful country, and I think that the most precious lesson I learnt during my in Africa was that every culture has a lot to teach.”

Simona, ItalySustainable Development Internship, Uganda
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Help spread the power of music to children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Uganda
  • Be a large part of a small nonprofit, and help take it to the next level
  • Learn about the running of a nonprofit organisation on a grassroots level
  • Gain practical experience in fundraising and communications in the nonprofit sector
  • Live in and work in a welcoming rural community in Uganda; a truly unique immersive experience
  • Enjoy amazing travel opportunities in your time off
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

RELATED PROGRAMS

Project assistant internship

Open for applications

Project Assistant Internship

  • Min. 3 months
  • Recinto La Esperie, Ecuador
  • COORDINATION, FUNDRAISING, COMMUNICATIONS
Gain experience with a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Cloud Forest, contributing to community engagement and environmental conservation.
Find out more
Social internship Amsterdam

Open for applications

Social Internship in Amsterdam

  • Min. 3 months
  • Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • SOCIAL WORK, PROJECT COORDINATION, DIGITAL MARKETING
Make a positive impact on communities and individuals through social work, project coordination, and volunteer management for meaningful change.
Find out more
NGO Management internship

New

NGO Management Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
  • EVENT MANAGEMENT, FUNDRAISING, DIGITAL MARKETING
Actively engage in advancing the NGOs mission to combat period poverty and work towards dismantling societal taboos linked to menstruation.
Find out more

RELATED BLOGS

Summer InternshipsNonprofit InternshipsIntern experiences
March 15, 2024

8 Best Summer Internships in 2024

8 Best Summer Internships in 2024 For all the future summer interns of 2024, that perfect time of year may still seem like a long way away. But that’s not…
Nonprofit InternshipsIntern experiences
March 6, 2024

What Skills Can I Expect to Learn from an Internship?

We all know what an internship is; it’s a kind of work experience, but what does an internship do for you? What do internships teach you? If you can’t answer…
Brazil
March 1, 2024

What to Expect from Internships in Brazil

What do internships in Brazil involve? A nonprofit internship in Brazil offers a lot more than professional development. It's a chance to explore exotic cultures, witness jaw-dropping natural scenery, and…