Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Gain practical social work experience while supporting youth and community development

Join a grassroots social development organization in Cape Town and gain hands-on experience supporting children, youth, families, and community initiatives. This Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town is designed for students and emerging professionals in social work, psychology, sociology, education, community development, and related fields who want to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world community setting.

Working with this organization, you’ll contribute to a range of flexible and evolving projects designed around the needs of the community. Depending on your skills, interests, and the organization’s current priorities, your placement may involve youth mentoring and tutoring, early childhood development, psychosocial support activities, needs assessments, community outreach, program development, research, evaluation, and resource creation.

You won’t simply observe social work in practice. You’ll be encouraged to identify needs, develop practical solutions, engage with community stakeholders, document your work, and contribute resources that can continue to benefit the organization after your internship.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the internship, participants will be able to:

  • Apply social work principles to real-world youth, child, and community development initiatives.
  • Develop practical skills in assessment, mentoring, program design, and psychosocial support through direct engagement with children and youth.
  • Strengthen research and evaluation skills by collecting data, developing Personal Development Plans, monitoring outcomes, and producing professional reports.
  • Build professional community practice skills through stakeholder engagement, outreach, teamwork, supervision, and the development of practical resources and toolkits.

ORGANIZATION

Projekt Ubuntu is a grassroots social development organization based 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. The organization works to strengthen opportunities for children, youth, families, and the wider community through education, social development, community engagement, and practical support.

The project’s main focus is the Ubuntu Center, a community center that directs resources to the community and cares for between 60 and 100 children every day. The organization’s work is fluid and responsive to community needs. This means your internship may involve different projects and responsibilities during your placement rather than following a rigid day-to-day schedule.

Other internships with this organization

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

This organization is an active community organization that runs various initiatives, so you may be asked to assist with tasks that are outside of your internship description (ex: helping chop vegetables for the weekly meal distribution). One of the reasons why their community work is sustainable is because everyone gets involved in all kinds of work. We encourage you to carry an open mind and keenness to get involved wherever needed; many hands make light work!

As a Social Work Intern, you’ll gain practical experience supporting children and youth through a flexible mix of mentoring, tutoring, program development, community outreach, research, and psychosocial activities. Your responsibilities will vary according to your skills, interests, and the organization’s current needs. Placements may include work with the some of the other initiatives and organizations in the community.

Responsibilities

Depending on your interests and skills as well as the needs of the organization, you may be involved in:

  • Needs assessments & PDPs: Conduct surveys, interviews, assessments, and support the development of Personal Development Plans for children and youth.
  • Youth mentoring & tutoring: Provide homework support, career guidance, university application assistance, CV development, and mentorship.
  • Program development: Create or adapt lesson plans, activities, workshops, psychosocial/play-based activities, and educational resources.
  • Resource development: Help create mentorship toolkits, tracking systems, youth resource guides, and parent education materials.
  • Community outreach: Contact and engage schools, organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders to develop partnerships and educational workshops.
  • Monitoring & evaluation: Collect and analyze information, track participation and progress, and contribute to program evaluation and recommendations.
  • Reporting & documentation: Submit bi-weekly activity reports and contribute to mid-term and final reports, meeting minutes, and project documentation.
  • Professional development: Participate in supervision, staff development opportunities, reflection sessions, and mid- and end-of-placement evaluations.
  • Final projects: Depending on the placement, develop a practical project such as a parent-and-youth toolkit addressing positive affirmation and awareness of risky behaviors.

Your Impact

By joining this social work internship in Cape Town, you’ll contribute to practical initiatives that support children, youth, families, and the wider community. Your work can help:

  • Strengthen youth support: Provide mentoring, tutoring, career guidance, and personal development support that helps young people navigate education and future opportunities.
  • Improve community programs: Help assess local needs and develop activities, resources, and programs that respond to the challenges and priorities identified by the community.
  • Support children’s development: Contribute to play-based, educational, and psychosocial activities at Siyakhula ECD and other child-focused projects.
  • Build community connections: Help Projekt Ubuntu develop relationships with schools, organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders to expand opportunities and resources for youth.
  • Create lasting resources: Develop practical toolkits, guides, tracking systems, and evaluation reports that can continue supporting the organization and its beneficiaries after your internship.

Requirements

  • Enrolled in an academic program, background, or experience in sociology, psychology, social work, youth development, community development, education, social sciences, or pedagogy
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • An interest in working with children and young people
  • Willingness to work proactively and independently
  • Respect for confidentiality and ethical practice
  • A collaborative and team-oriented approach
  • Willing to help with day-to-day operations tasks if needed
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines

Because the organization is developing its youth initiatives, initiative is particularly important. Interns who bring ideas, skills, resources, and a willingness to build new activities can make a particularly valuable contribution.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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, or we can assist you with renting a car for more flexibility.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. While being based at Yoga Shala it’s recommended to rent a car for the duration of your stay to comfortably get around or be prepared to book Ubers as the accommodation is not within walking distances to any public commodities. When visiting the city center, 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. 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.

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.

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 at the end of the year.

What you’ll pay (2027 rates)

8 weeks USD 3,317

12 weeks USD 4,546

16 weeks USD 5,363

20 weeks USD 6,489

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 shared room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday
  • Wifi access
  • Daily transport to the project
  • Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
  • Onboarding with your supervisor
  • Regular check-ins
  • Support from the Roots team remotely
  • A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
  • A reference letter upon request

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 over the weekend
  • Lunch, 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!

REVIEWS

I had the opportunity to take on a variety of hands-on roles, from assisting in food distribution and supporting classroom activities at an early childhood development center, to helping children with their homework at the youth club and organizing fun activities & workshops. I also helped plan events and workshops in collaboration with other organizations. One of my proudest accomplishments was leading a recycling workshop where we repurposed plastic bottles into plant pots and planted spinach and cabbage, -- the best moment was watching the children’s excitement as their plants grew! I also organized a dance session, sharing Zumba, bachata, and salsa, creating a joyful cultural exchange that the kids loved. This experience taught me how meaningful presence, patience, and intentionality can be, and how small acts of care can make a lasting difference.

Mariana, Columbian – University of Alberta

Youth Social Work Internship, South Africa

The internship work truly was meaningful, and I learned a lot about community development and cultural exchange. I helped organize workshops, assisted with creating social media content, and supported community outreach activities. This internship helped me improve my communication and teamwork skills, which will be useful in any future job. It also gave me a clearer idea of the type of field that I want to work in: one that creates a positive impact on society. I really appreciate the opportunity and the support from the Roots team throughout the process.

Jiyao, Chinese

Youth Social Work Internship, South Africa

It was a life-changing experience! The community is so welcoming and eager to make change. Working with the youth and watching them grow and achieve their goals was the best part. I did event planning, fundraising, meetings, school workshops, meal prep, activities with children, and learning exercises. The main thing I learned was really to just be able to work with what's available to you and appreciate the little things. Being involved with the community and putting a smile on hundreds of faces makes all the hard work pay off. Roots was very supportive and I appreciated all their help. I will definitely be coming back!

Zakirah, American – Temple University

Youth Social Work Internship, South Africa

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Youth Development, Social Work, Education, Mentoring
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 3,317

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain hands-on social work and youth development experience in Cape Town
  • Support children and youth through mentoring, tutoring, and personal development activities
  • Contribute to community needs assessments, program development, and impact evaluation
  • Develop practical toolkits, educational resources, and youth support programs
  • Live and work in Cape Town, gaining cross-cultural experience while exploring one of South Africa’s most vibrant cities
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 and share your CV with us.

GET STARTED

CONNECT

We’ll set up a call to get to know a bit more about you and your internship goals.

MATCH

If we feel it’s a good match, the placement manager will set up a call between you and the supervisor of the host organization

CONFIRM

If everybody’s happy, we will provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and give you access to our portal where you can find all the information you need.

PREPARE

Once we receive your deposit payment, the placement will be officially confirmed. We’re excited to help you plan and prepare for your international internship!

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

If you’d like to ask us some questions about our internships, fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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