PROGRAM MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Gain field experience educating young women and girls on sexual health and reproductive rights

Join this inspiring internship that will help springboard you into a social work or psychology career! During this Program Management Internship, you’ll work with facilitators in running educational courses at schools in Cape Town teaching young men and women about sexual health and rights. You’ll be the right hand of the organization’s program manager, assisting with outreach, curriculum writing, researching programs, evaluating their success, developing them, and much more.

What’s more – you’ll be gaining hands-on field experience, working directly with young people and other community members your efforts will help, and getting insight into the day-to-day operations of a nonprofit. You’ll see all it takes to run educational programs within an NGO, and witness first-hand the impact that this inspiring work makes.

This Program Management Internship is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in a diverse spread of fields. You’ll gain practical experience facilitating lesson plans, developing curriculums, insight into the difficulties faced by education sectors in developing countries, and, most of all, mentorship and experience in the management of social impact programs within an NGO.

ORGANIZATION

You’ll work with New Heritage Foundation, an all-women-led nonprofit organization dedicated to making long-lasting change for women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. Their mission is to promote gender equality and end period poverty through sexual health and rights education for girls and boys, and supplying disadvantaged communities with affordable, sustainable sanitary products.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

This Program Management Internship combines facilitation and program development with sexual health education, so there’s great scope for a variety of work. As well as this, you’ll get an understanding on how to run programs for NGOs as you’ll be working on the ground improving sexual and reproductive health & rights for young girls and women in South Africa.

Responsibilities

Your daily tasks will vary on the organization’s needs at the time of your internship and in accordance with your own strengths and interests. Your main responsibilities may include:

  • Helping the program manager on-site when working with schools and local teachers overseeing, facilitating, and conducting lesson plans
  • Assisting in running workshops on skill development and sexual health & rights
  • Curriculum writing, evaluation, and development
  • Monitoring the program’s success by conducting impact reports
  • Assisting the program manager with the logistics and strategy of each project
  • Supporting young girls and boys as they grapple with sensitive issues

Requirements

  • Ideal for those with a background in or passion for Psychology, Gender Studies, Social Work, Public Health, and Female Empowerment
  • Some experience in education, facilitation, or group-leading
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Proactive and able to work independently
  • Enjoyment working and leading young people

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

As an intern in Cape Town, you’ll have the choice between three different accommodations. With dorm and single room options, you can opt for the lodging option that meets your needs and budget. All locations include Wifi, linens & towels, communal areas, shared facilities, 24/7 security, laundry services, and housekeeping.  Each option is conveniently located to be walking distance from various shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a variety of travelers, including students & backpackers, and explore the wonders of the city – while being based in the heart of it all.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, along with your internship supervisor on the ground.

South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Safety recommendations include: do not walk anywhere alone and do not walk anywhere at night – it’s better to Uber, no matter the distance, even if you are in a group. Upon arrival, ask your accommodation about the safe/dangerous areas & streets that are nearby. Keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), always keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay for everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and always taking an Uber once the sun goes down.

Communication

Communication

Your accommodation will include free Wifi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Most cafes/restaurants also offer free Wifi for remote work days and staying online. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked for international carrier, or setting your phone’s status to roaming (be aware of high charges for this option).

Meals

Meals

Meals are NOT included at the accommodation options in Cape Town. The kitchen facilities vary at each location and details will be provided during the application process. With a variety of international cuisine options available in the area and throughout Cape Town, there is no shortage of restaurants, bars, and cafes to try out.

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

Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with you during the selection process.

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)

8 WEEKS USD 2,233

12 WEEKS USD 2,931

16 WEEKS USD 3,630

20 WEEKS USD 4,328

24 WEEKS USD 5,027

Inclusions

  • 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
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits
  • Accommodation in a mixed-gender dorm room (up to 6 pax). If you prefer a smaller dorm size, female-only dorm, or single room – please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Wifi access
  • Housekeeping service
  • Transport to the project for field work (approx. 1-2 times a week)
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • 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 International Airport
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Meals
  • Transport to the office
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

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: Health Education NGO
TASK FOCUS: Program Facilitation, Health Education, Monitoring & Evaluation
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 2,137

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A combination of program management and Sexual Health Internships providing the best of both worlds
  • Practical experience in education and curriculum development
  • Gain field experience in the nonprofit sector
  • Gain insight into the daily operations of NGO management and running educational programs
  • Support sexual and reproductive health and rights’ education in South Africa
  • Live and work in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town
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.

GET STARTED

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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