ASSIST IN permaculture Training to Teachers who run after-school Permaculture Programs
This permaculture internship in Malawi offers the opportunity to gain practical experience in the application of permaculture to drive sustainable development. As an intern, you’ll be part of a small team providing permaculture training to teachers in a rural setting, and you’ll have a hand in the further development of the program.
It’s a great opportunity to put theoretical knowledge into practice, to gain a thorough understanding of the grassroots permaculture project, and to contribute to a worthwhile cause building resilience to climate change. Your role will the tailored to your skills and knowledge, so that you can have an optimum learning experience.
ORGANIZATION
Malawi Schools Permaculture Clubs (MSPC) is a nonprofit that promotes permaculture principles to children in Malawi. Based in Nkhata Bay, in the north of the country, the organization supports primary school teachers in the area who want to run after-school permaculture clubs. MSPC provides all the relevant training and tools for the teachers, as well as a structured club program for them to follow. This includes a resource pack of weekly lessons and activities, basic equipment needed to run clubs, and infrastructure to support and motivate teachers throughout the year.
The aim of the program is to teach children how to care for and regenerate their natural environment, to value their local resources, and to learn how to produce their own nutritious food. MSPC works with 600 children at over 15 different schools, and has plans of expanding the program to other areas of Malawi.
TASKS & REQUIREMENTS
As a permaculture intern on this program, you’ll be an essential part of a small team, and you’ll have a mix of office and field work. Note: planting season is only from October to December
What you’ll do
You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in the following;
- Further developing the permaculture training provided to teachers
- Assisting with the training courses on the ground
- Assisting with developing the weekly permaculture program for children, or arranging extra sessions with the kids
- Assisting with specific projects happening at schools, such as small permaculture gardens
- Working in the gardens on-site to plant new crops and species
- Helping at the schools, especially during May to July where they have open days and visits to other permaculture sites
- Using produce from the garden to demonstrate new recipe and nutrition ideas during one of the weekly sessions
- Assisting with landscaping around the site or at the schools
- Researching permaculture topics and organizations
- Helping develop data collection and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems
- Collecting and analyzing M&E data
- Writing impact reports
Your tasks will be customized to your specific skills and knowledge.
Requirements
- At least a basic knowledge of permaculture principles
- Experience with developing or managing permaculture culture would be ideal
- A passion for spreading permaculture principles
- A flexible attitude and ability to work in a dynamic environment
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Ability to work independently
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
During your internship, you’ll be lucky enough to stay at the lovely Butterfly Space, a lodge in the northern town of Nkhata Bay. Located on the banks of 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 beach bar, and several communal spaces. The rooms are comfortable dormitories, although there are options of upgrading to single chalets, too. The lodge is a hub for people who are volunteering their time at different community and environmental projects in the area, so you are like to share this gorgeous space with like-minded people.
DATES & RATES
Start and end dates of the internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2023 rates)
2 months USD 1,757
3 months USD 2,099
4 months USD 2,440
5 months USD 2,782
6 months USD 3,123
Remote internship – Placement fee USD 625
What you are paying for:
- 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.
- Accommodation in a dorm room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
- Two meals per day for the first month
- Laundry service
- Housekeeping service
- Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Supervision & support during your stay
- Regular check-ins during your internship with you and your supervisor
- Access to workshops with a focus on career development
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Excludes:
- Flights to Lilongwe
- Airport transfer to Nkhata Bay (approximately 400 km) – we can help you arrange this in advance
- Transport to the school clubs
- Data package for internet connection
- Meals: 2 meals (breakfast & lunch/dinner) are included for the first month. For the following months, you can prepare your own meals or opt to book the meal package for two meals per day for USD 270 per month.
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing).
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
QUICK FACTS
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Nkhata Bay, Malawi |
 |
Environmental NGO |
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Permaculture, Organic Farming |
 |
2-6 months |
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From USD 1,757 (in-person) / USD 625 (remote) |
INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain practical experience in permaculture and curriculum/workshop development
- Contribute to a nonprofit on a mission to teach children how to care for and regenerate their natural environment, to value their local resources, and to learn how to produce their own nutritious food
- Get involved with school projects and the work in the gardens
- Gain a full insight in the day to day running of a nonprofit organization
- Live and work in Nkhata Bay on the banks of lake Malawi (or work remotely if you prefer this)
- Visit to one of the many islands, markets, craft stores or enjoy the beauty of Lake Malawi
2 MONTHS USD 1,757
3 MONTHS USD 2,099
4 MONTHS USD 2,440
3 MONTHS USD 2,099
4 MONTHS USD 2,440
Remote internship: USD 625
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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