An opportunity to work on community projects and experience what it’s like to run a nonprofit.
Are you someone with a passion for helping others? With an interest in NGO Management or International Development? Would you for example like to contribute to sustainable solutions in the areas of ‘Education and Enrichment’, ‘Health and Nutrition’ and ‘Empowering community’? This Nonprofit Management Internship might just be what you are looking for.
This organization makes a meaningful impact in the communities by for example providing access to education and health services, improving nutrition or creating a safe environment where children can play and learn. You will divide your time between the office and the local projects in either Zambia or South Africa. And twice a month Professional Development is offered to you. An excellent opportunity to be involved in for example fundraising, communication, marketing, program development through monitoring and evaluations and see the results of your efforts on the ground.
This foundation was established in 2008 and is a non-profit that works to implement long-term, positive change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities in Africa. They currently operate in East and Southern Africa to ‘Educate, Enrich and Empower’ in several focus areas: Education and Enrichment, Health and Nutrition, Empowering Families, The Girl Impact and Conservation. They recognize the importance of identifying and fully understanding the unique needs of each community in order to effectively and sustainably address them. So they limit their reach to a smaller number of communities concentrating their efforts on building trust, nurturing lasting relationships and ensuring the sustainability of their involvement in each community.
These communities often lack access to education, health services, nutritious food or safe places to play. Without these basic necessities, it is difficult for individuals and families to feel empowered or to better themselves. Making a meaningful impact in these communities can take the form of providing access to education and health services, improving nutrition or creating a safe environment where children can play and learn.
This organization has offices and projects in different locations: Livingstone (Zambia), Cape Town (project office or head office), and Greater Kruger Area. Before the placement you will work closely with an intern placement specialist to discuss your goals, location options, identify your strengths and discuss the variety of projects and tasks. This will result in a custom-made internship which accounts for your interest and skills to serve their communities accordingly.
Roughly there are five focus areas possible:
ZAMBIA: You will be based in Livingstone, a welcoming tourist town in a unique setting. Just a short drive away from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and the famous Victoria Falls, there are plenty of opportunities to take sunset boat cruises and explore what nature has to offer! During your time off, you can venture to the African bush for a safari or stroll around the local markets. The accommodation is a popular backpackers creating a lively atmosphere. There are dorms or single rooms available, and you can make use of a great number of facilities, including a pool.
SOUTH AFRICA:
Kruger – The accommodation includes 7 large dorm rooms (with aircon and full bathrooms) overlooking the Olifants River. This offers the chance to get the occasional visit from animals such as giraffes, hippos, or elephants while they come for a drink. Facilities include a swimming pool, outdoor fire pit, small outdoor gym, lounges and social areas, as well as a small shop where you can buy snacks and basic toiletries. You will be sharing a dorm room with other interns and volunteers.
Cape Town – 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, 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.
ZAMBIA: Zambia is a relatively safe country, but there is petty crime, so it’s always good to be vigilant. Some safety tips are to avoid traveling alone, take a taxi/Uber at night, know safe/unsafe areas, avoid carrying valuables around, stay alert, and inquire about swim area safety. Prioritize protection from heatstroke and dehydration during your stay by drinking plenty of water. It is also important to respect the advice given to you by the accommodation host and internship supervisor.
SOUTH AFRICA: 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. Please consult your doctor with regards to vaccinations.
Both locations: You should seek medical advice on antimalarial medication options. Zambia and the Greater Kruger area are low risk malaria zones, so there is a small risk.
ZAMBIA: Free Wifi is available at the accommodation for staying in touch with loved ones through WhatsApp, Zoom, etc., but it may be slow. You can purchase a local SIM card for reliable phone use or opt for roaming.
SOUTH AFRICA: There is free Wifi at the accommodation to enable you to make contact with home through WhatsApp, Zoom etc. Please note that when you are based in the Kruger area the Wifi can at times be slow and unreliable. There is no cell phone reception there, so there is no need to purchase a local SIM card. If you are Cape Town based, getting a local SIM card is recommended.
ZAMBIA: At the accommodation, you can enjoy diverse meals with international and local flavors! During weekdays, breakfast and dinner are included in the fee.
SOUTH AFRICA: Your meals are included with the fee and consists of a mixture of international and local cuisine. In Kruger, you’ll have your own time for breakfast and eat lunch and dinner with the other volunteers, interns, and staff members.
Note that for Cape Town based interns, a basic breakfast and delicious cooked dinner are only included Monday to Friday!
Make sure to notify us in advance of any allergies/dietary needs.
ZAMBIA: Livingstone is located in one of Africa’s most peaceful countries, and offers a welcoming atmosphere where the locals will make you feel at home. Add excitement with bungee jumping, white water rafting, or helicopter flights. You can discover landmarks such as the iconic Victoria Falls and the Chobe Safari (Botswana) or take a weekend trip over to Zimbabwe!
SOUTH AFRICA:
Kruger – You will be based at a traditional bush lodge in a Big 5 private reserve on the shores of the Olifants River. The surrounding wilderness is known as the Greater Kruger Area and Africa’s most iconic (and endangered) animals can be found here. When you’re not out on a bush drive, you’ll spend your time relaxing by the pool or working up a sweat in the gym while watching giraffes, hippos, elephants, and other wild animals across the river.
Cape Town – 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.
Starting dates differ per location but generally twice a month and in some months (January, July, August) there is more flexibility. Let us know and we will give you the exact options for your preferred location.
You can do you internship in one of the following locations: Cape Town / Kruger (South Africa), Livingstone (Zambia).
What you will pay (2024 rates)
1 month USD 2,099
2 months USD 3,299
3 months USD 4,399
4 months USD 5,599
5 months USD 6,799
6 months USD 7,999
8 months USD 10,399
10 months USD 12,799
12 months USD 15,199
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!
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