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Community Development Internship in Malawi
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Unique opportunity to be part of a hub for social impact initiatives in a rural community in Malawi
You’ll be part of an eco-lodge that forms the center of a nonprofit network; one that connects a great number of educational, environmental, and health support programs in the local community, and enables important knowledge sharing between these different initiatives. Through effective knowledge sharing, the individual projects can widen their networks, grow their reach, and deepen their impact.
On top of this, the lodge has an information room that provides access to books and computers, as well as workshops on digital literacy. The goal is to allow grassroots projects to benefit from new technologies.
As an intern, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of growing and improving this network of local projects in a variety of ways. You’ll help develop effective communication tools for the community, research ways of connecting with relevant international organizations and institutions, and organize regular knowledge sharing sessions. You’ll also have the opportunity to help develop and run digital media workshops.
Learning Outcomes:
- Experience running nonprofit programs in the field
- A chance to develop networking and project coordination skills
- An opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of how nonprofits operate on a grassroots level
- If desired, experience in developing and running educational programs
- International work experience
ORGANIZATION
You’ll be part of a unique social impact program based out of an eco-lodge in Nkhata Bay, in the north of Malawi. The lodge forms the center of a number of social and environmental development projects in the neighboring communities, including health and HIV support groups, permaculture clubs at schools, educational programs, and media development projects. The lodge forms a hub for local community members and volunteers from around the world to combine forces and bring positive development to the area. The initiative is driven by the idea that within an effective network, all these individual nonprofit initiatives will be able to run more efficiently, build key relationships, and strengthen their impact.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
As an intern, you’ll be part of a small team that does great work in bringing a large number of community development programs together. The work will be varied and can, to some extent, be customized to your skills, experience, and desired learning outcomes.
Responsibilities
Your tasks will likely include;
- Helping establish a strong network for the larger community
- Assisting with the development of the information room at the lodge
- Organizing and promoting regular information-sharing sessions for community members who run social impact initiatives
- Research international networking and fundraising opportunities for the various nonprofit initiatives
- Developing and/or teaching workshops on computers and online media
- Developing efficient communication tools and knowledge-sharing platforms between the various organizations in the community
Requirements
- Strong communication skills and a passion for information sharing
- A passion for social impact work
- Strong networking skills
- A good understanding of digital media
- A flexible attitude and an openness to working in a culturally diverse setting
You’ll stay at a popular backpackers in the northern town of Nkhata Bay. Located on Lake Malawi, with views of palm trees and green-blue water, this lodge has an idyllic location and a relaxed vibe. You’ll enjoy a private beach, beautiful gardens, a lakeside bar, and communal spaces. The rooms are comfortable 6 bed dormitories, although there are options of upgrading to single chalets (at an extra fee). The lodge is a hub for people who are volunteering their time at different communities and environmental projects in the area, so you can expect to share this space with like-minded people.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Malawi is considered to be safe for tourists, however, being a developing country with poverty, there is petty crime. Keep your belongings securely stored and close to you, don’t walk alone in the dark, and report any suspicious behavior that you may see to the accommodation/host organization.
Communication
Communication
You’ll be able to use your phone in Malawi with roaming data turned on or a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked. Visit Airtel or TNM stands for a SIM and purchase 1000MK ‘Airtime’ (for calls), and a data bundle. Wi-Fi is not an amenity offered in Malawi, so you will need to buy data bundles from a provider for work and personal use.
Meals
Meals
A meal package is included for the first month that suffices for two meals per day (breakfast and lunch/dinner). For the next months you can either book a meal package or eat locally. There is also a small kitchen available for basic cooking. Meals are prepared through Mkana Cafe, the restaurant on-site. The menu includes many international dishes and is also vegetarian-friendly. Make sure to notify us in advance of any allergies/dietary needs.
Location details
Location details
Nkhata Bay is a lively ferry port on the shores of Lake Malawi with a bustling market which is one of the biggest cultural influences on the area. It offers many activities, such as snorkeling, boat/kayak trips, energetic football matches, and beach ventures. Explore Malawi via coach buses and boats, especially the iconic Ilala Ferry, which has been active since 1951.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Start and end dates of the internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process. The organization is open to a remote internship, but preference and priority is given to interns on the ground.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,149
12 weeks USD 2,500
16 weeks USD 2,851
20 weeks USD 3,260
26 weeks USD 3,876
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 in a dorm room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
- Breakfast and dinner daily for the first month
- Laundry service
- Housekeeping service
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Lilongwe
- Transport from Lilongwe to Nkhata Bay (approximately 400 km) – we can help you arrange this in advance
- Transport to the project/office
- Data package for internet connection (for work and personal use)
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Malawi.
What can I expect from an internship in Malawi?
You can expect to foster a unique connection with the local community, as well as having many opportunities to explore various projects during your internship. If you wish to know more about what to expect, make sure to read our blog from a previous intern who traveled to Malawi!
How long can I do an internship in Malawi?
The minimum length of our internships in Malawi is two months, but the ideal length is closer to four months, if possible. This ensures you have an adequate amount of time to make a tangible impact. Luckily, the length of our programs is customizable so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!
Can I get university credit for an internship in Malawi?
Yes, but you must ensure with your supervisor that your university approves this. You can also purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
How can I prepare for an internship in Malawi?
Personally, you can prepare by learning about the history and culture of Malawi and reflecting on your internship goals, and we’ll be here to help you with the rest! Ask us any questions you may have about placement logistics, matchmaking, check-ins, advice on visa/insurance, or anything else you may think of. If you wish to know more about preparing for your internship, you can check out our ultimate guide to NGO internships in Africa!
Will I receive a stipend during my Roots internship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid so we’ve put together a few tips on how to fund your internship. There will be opportunities for professional and personal growth and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable!
REVIEWS
My internship provided insight to how useful management tools like Kobo and Kumu Maps are essential in the flow and efficiency of work within an organization. I also gained insight into simplifying communication across different sections and departments of the organization. This helped in understanding the progress of the work I was doing and how it contribute to the mission of the nonprofit. I received sufficient support from the team at Roots and there was constant feedback and advice provided from start to finish.
Modo Winne, Sudanese – University of Passau
Community Development Internship, Malawi
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 in giving me this experience.
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
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Nkhata Bay, Malawi
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Education, Community Development, Networking
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 2,149
FEATURED REVIEW
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 and traveling.
Kya, American – Harris-Stowe State University
Community Development Internship, Malawi
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain unique work experience in community development in a rural African context
- Use your knowledge of the digital environment to help accelerate the impact made by various nonprofit organizations in Malawi
- Enjoy a hugely varied and unique set of tasks
- Live and work in a beautiful part of Malawi
- Be part of a larger community of interns and volunteers from around the world
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.
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!
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