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NGO Event Management Internship in Cape Town
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Get hands-on event management experience at a grass-roots organization.
Are you a problem solver, who likes multitasking and seeing it all come together? Then check out this Event Management Internship in Cape Town! Join a grass-roots social development charity to support their valuable work. Based in a township on the outskirts of Cape Town, you’ll be working with Projekt Ubuntu, a nonprofit community center. They hosts up to a hundred children each day to ensure they have a safe and stimulating space to go.
Many of the team members at Projekt Ubuntu come from events backgrounds. They have experience organising both national and international workshops for the South African government as well as different NGOs. They now use their experience to coordinate logistics around an international volunteer programme, channelling much needed funds and resources to grassroots community initiatives.
If you study Event Management or Event Coordination, or if you’ve just always been interested in planning and hosting events then this internship is for you!
ORGANIZATION
Ubuntu Project is a social development organization that works in Masiphumelele, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town that deals with a high level of social issues such as poverty, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and HIV/AIDS. Ubuntu’s main focus is the Ubuntu Centre, a community center that directs resources to the community and cares for between 60 and 100 children every day. The children are from families that lack the resources to provide them with daycare, and the center offers a safe and educative space on a daily basis. They also offer the children healthy meals. Many of the children have experienced traumas and receive as much emotional support as possible at the center. The organization also supports a number of daycare centers in the township that are run by the grandmothers and mothers of the community.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Responsibilities
- Coordinating educational workshops at community level to raise awareness around health, hygiene and human values. For example, HIV and AIDS workshops, peer education workshops, etc.
- Creating and assisting with fundraising events for Projekt Ubuntu Community projects.
- Assisting with planning for seasonal events, depending on the time of year of your internship. For example, in July a Mandela event will take place, in August there will be events for Women’s Month, in November organise for the annual Christmas party for the children, etc.
- Assisting with weekly or monthly events at Yoga Shala (the volunteer house)
- Coordinating volunteer activities – city tours, evening and leisure programmes, etc.
Requirements
- Multitasking, time management, hands on mentality and being on top of things since you are dealing with lots of different people (suppliers, artists, partners, etc.). Take responsibility!
- Must be able to anticipate project needs, problem solving under pressure, focus on work priorities and meet deadlines with little supervision.
- Willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Preferably have a driver’s license and willing to drive around in Cape Town.
- Preferably have experience in events or fundraising activities.
- Ideally bring your own laptop.
Projekt Ubuntu will introduce you to local partners including NGO’s, schools, event planners and multi-media production partners, etc. to broaden your experience in event management.
This organization also offers internships in Youth Social Work, Marketing and Communications, and Psychology.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll stay at a comfortable and welcoming volunteer house in a picturesque suburb of Cape Town, on the Southern Peninsula. It’s a great setting; you’ll be surrounded by beaches and mountains, and the penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach is only a 5-minute drive away. The house hosts people from around the world that are volunteering in the surrounding communities, which creates a wonderfully international vibe. The nearest shops and restaurants are a 5-minute drive away, and Cape Town’s city center is a 40-minute drive away. It’s easy to take Ubers and make your way around.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Be sure to prioritize hydration in the summer to avoid heatstroke. South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware and use common sense to stay safe. Some safety guidelines are to always walk in groups, take a taxi/Uber in the evenings, know safe/dangerous areas, secure your belongings, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.
Communication
Communication
The accommodation offers free Wi-Fi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Cafes/restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked, or setting your phone’s status to roaming, depending on your provider’s rates.
Meals
Meals
A simple breakfast and a delicious cooked dinner (vegetarian & vegan options available) from Monday to Friday are included in your fee. Indulge in local dishes, like bobotie and South African Braai! For desserts, don’t miss out on milk tarts and malva pudding. There is a diverse food scene in Cape Town, so no matter your cuisine preference or dietary restrictions you’ll have plenty of options. Let us know in advance if you have any allergies/dietary needs.
Location details
Location details
Discover Cape Town’s attractions: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, city tours, historical sites, and the Cape Point Peninsula. There are also opportunities to surf, kayak, paraglide, cage dive with sharks, and more! Cape Town has a mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers so be sure to check what the temperature will be like during your stay.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
You can start your internship with this organization every Monday. Please keep in mind this organization is closed for one month of summer holiday at the end of the year.
What you’ll pay (2023 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,832
12 weeks USD 3,895
16 weeks USD 4,958
20 weeks USD 6,021
26 weeks USD 7,616
At Roots, we do everything we can to make your internship experience smooth and hassle-free. We offer an all-inclusive service, which means we will help you find the right internship (we believe we are great matchmakers!), help you with visa arrangements, book accommodation for you in Cape Town, give you all the pre-departure information you need before arriving, pick you up from the airport and check in with you while on your work placement to ensure you feel supported. Your exact fee depends on the duration of your stay, so if you tell us how long you would like to stay, we can give you an exact quote.
Inclusions
- Full accommodation rental fees including breakfast and dinner
- Transfer from Cape Town International airport to your accommodation and back on arrival and departure day
- Transport to and from the project
- Assistance with finding the perfect work placement
- Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
- 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
- On the ground support during your stay and troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
- A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots interns
Exclusions
- Flights to Cape Town
- Visa, medical and travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Lunch, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing).
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.
What can I expect from a NGO internship in South Africa?
During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.
Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?
Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.
Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?
Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.
Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?
Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa
PROGRAM FOCUS: Nonprofit, community projects
TASK FOCUS: Event Management, Coordination, Planning
LENGTH: 8-26 Weeks
COST: From USD 2,832
REVIEWS
“I worked on a lot of problem solving approaches when it comes to project management and planning. Besides that, I worked on intercultural relations and created events like the woman’s day at Ubuntu Center. The fundraising campaign was an online campaign that got spread online and via E-Mail. We managed to raise 1200 Euros and it was my responsibility to direct the money. The money was used for various purposes. Several events were financed, but also important groceries to cook food for the children could be provided with the raised money.”
Lisa, GermanyMarketing and Communications Internship, Cape Town
READ MORE REVIEWS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain experience in project management, event coordination, and planning
- Contribute to a charity on a mission to spread the message of Ubuntu and achieve happiness for the children
- Gain a full insight in the day to day running of a community project
- Plenty of opportunity to help out with fun and stimulating activities for the children at the community center
- Live and work in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world
- Enjoy exploring South Africa’s many highlights during 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
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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