Get to grips with the inner workings of nonprofits whilst improving women’s sexual health and rights
Here’s a nonprofit management internship that offers you insight into every aspect of NGO management. With this program, you’ll follow your own intuition with what tasks you take on as you gain multi-level work experience within a small, purpose-driven organization. All with while, you’ll support vital work to protect and fortify sexual reproductive health and rights in South Africa.
This organization works in a number of capacities to help end period poverty and destigmatize menstruation. So, unique to other sexual health internships, there are a variety of roles you could fill. You could be focused on their project management, grant writing, donor outreach, marketing, campaign coordination… the list goes on! You’ll also get the chance to combine working out of the office with in-field excursions — which is quite rare among nonprofit organizations internships.
Whatever position you take, you’ll play a crucial role in devising, planning, and supporting educational programmes in schools across South Africa, distributing menstrual health products to disadvantaged communities, and all the behind the scenes action that keeps an NGO running. But, depending on where your interests lie, your work may vary.
Based In the Western Cape, New Heritage Foundation is the ideal organization for a reproductive health internship. They work to end period poverty, destigmatize menstruation, and bolster women’s sexual health rights.
They do this through educational programs in schools across South Africa teaching young women and men about puberty, menstrual health management, reproductive rights and consent. Their programs are now being instituted in schools as part of their Life Orientation curriculum. They also distribute eco-friendly reusable, sanitary pads, and teach communities how to make their own.
On this nonprofit management internship, you’ll have the chance to visit projects weekly, but you’ll be focused on the logistics of keeping New Heritage Foundation’s campaigns running. There’s a number of areas where you can help, so before starting your internship, you’ll work closely with us at Roots and your host organization to work out where you’d be best suited.
Here are some of the focus areas you could get involved in:
You’ll be staying at The Lenox, a comfortable guesthouse in the heart of Cape Town. Built in the old Cape Dutch style, The Lenox is characterful and historic. It has multiple balconies, a large dining room, and many other communal spaces. Shared bedrooms include 2 twin beds, and there are plenty of single rooms available as well (at an extra fee). You’ll be walking distance from many shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well.
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.
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.
A simple breakfast, lunch 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.
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.
Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with your during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2024 rates)
8 WEEKS USD 2,137
12 WEEKS USD 2,801
16 WEEKS USD 3,437
20 WEEKS USD 4,073
24 WEEKS USD 4,709
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs 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.
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.
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.
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!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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!
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
