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Digital Marketing Internship, Malawi
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Play a large part in establishing ways to raise awareness and funding for quality education in Malawi
Join a nonprofit community school in Malawi, and help establish a strong online presence for them during a digital marketing internship. Based in a welcoming community on the banks of Lake Malawi, you’ll join a primary school that was founded to address the lack of quality education in the area. As the school is relatively new, and its communication and fundraising strategies are underdeveloped, you’ll play a large part in establishing ways to raise awareness for this cause.
Depending on your skills and experience, you’ll develop and manage social media channels, write online content and newsletters, establish fundraising channels, and help develop a strong donor relations system. It’s a great opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, to gain practical work experience in the nonprofit sector, and to help with the sustainability of this initiative.
Learning Outcomes:
- Practical work experience in communications and digital marketing
- A good understanding of the fundraising landscape and experience in developing different fundraising channels
- An understanding of the day to day running of a nonprofit institute at a grassroots level
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation, reporting, and stakeholder engagement
- International work experience
ORGANIZATION
You’ll be part of a primary school that was set up to address the lack of quality education in this rural part of Malawi. The school teaches over 220 children from broad socio-economic backgrounds; for every paid space at the school, a sponsored space is offered to a child from a family that struggles financially. Classes are kept small for Malawian standards; around 30 children are in a class, as opposed to double – or even triple, which is common. Kids are also offered a free nutritious meal on a daily basis.
Through a combination of British and Malawian curricula, the school aims to produce students who are independent thinkers and fluent English speakers. This will enhance their chance of getting a good job later in life, which will hopefully help lift their families out of poverty.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
As a digital marketing intern on this program, you’ll play an essential role in raising awareness of a nonprofit institute that is in the early stages of its development. Your exact work will be tailored depending on your knowledge and experience, so that you’ll gain the type of experience that you’re looking for, and you’ll be able to use your skills effectively.
Responsibilities
Depending on your skills, your tasks will include;
- Developing a social media strategy and managing social media platforms
- Writing online content and managing a website
- Doing fundraising research
- Writing grant proposals and running digital fundraising campaigns
- Training local teachers in creating useful visual content that can be used for communications and fundraising purposes
- Taking pictures and videos that can be used as a communications tool
- Helping develop donor relationships and systems
- Helping create monitoring and evaluation systems
Requirements
- Strong communications and English writing skills
- Ideally experience in one of the following areas; social media management, content writing, fundraising, and/or communication strategy
- A talent for online communications
- A passion for education and nonprofit work
- A flexible attitude and a willingness to adapt to a different cultural environment
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
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.
What you’ll pay (2024 rates)
8 weeks USD 1,705
12 weeks USD 2,056
16 weeks USD 2,407
20 weeks USD 2,758
26 weeks USD 3,286
Inclusions
- Accommodation (shared)
- Two meals a day during the first month. After the first month you can decide to book the meal package for the other months as well.
- Assistance with finding the perfect work placement
- Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
- Supervision during your internship
- Regular check ins during your internship with you and your supervisor.
- Your own account on a career development platform that offers content and courses focused on exploring different career opportunities
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
- On the ground support during your stay
Exclusions
- Flights to Malawi
- Visa, medical and travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals after the first month: you can prepare your own meals or opt to book the meal package for two meals a day for the following months.
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing).
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
- Airport transfer to Nkhata Bay (approximately 400 km)
- In case of late arrival: extra night in accommodation in Lilongwe
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!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Nkhata Bay, Malawi
PROGRAM FOCUS: Education NGO
TASK FOCUS: Digital Marketing, Fundraising, Social Media
LENGTH: Min. 2 Months
COST: From USD 1,705
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain a wealth of practical experience in communications, digital marketing, and fundraising
- Contribute to providing high quality education in a community that needs it
- Work in a start-up environment, which will allow you to make a substantial contribution to the development of the school
- 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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