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Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Help spread the message of Ubuntu and achieve happiness for the children
Join a grassroots social development charity and provide support to children with troubled backgrounds. Based in a township on the outskirts of Cape Town, you’ll be working with a community center that hosts up to 100 children each day to ensure they have a safe and stimulating space to learn and grow.
During this Youth Social Work Internship you’ll enhance your professional skills, including communication, problem-solving, and case management, which are crucial in the fields of social work, psychology, and education. Apply your theoretical knowledge in this hands-on learning experience and engage with diverse communities to foster cultural competency and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
As a Social Work intern, you’ll assist with the day-to-day running of the center and create stimulating, educative, and fun activities for the children. This Youth Social Work Internship is a great opportunity to gain on-the-ground experience in social work and education that involves working with vulnerable populations and promoting equitable access to education. You’ll get to boost your professional development, while being based in the outskirts of Cape Town with access to a variety of beaches, vineyards, and the city center. Embark on an a unique professional and personal growth journey, while contributing to a worthwhile and very much needed project.
ORGANIZATION
Projekt Ubuntu is a social development organization that works 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 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 children are from families that lack the resources to provide them with daycare, and the center offers a safe and educative space on a daily basis. They also offer the children healthy meals for a full fledged care program. Many of the children have experienced traumas and receive as much emotional support as possible at the center. The organization also supports a number of daycare centers in the township that are run by the grandmothers and mothers of the community.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Projekt Ubuntu 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!
There are three groups of children in the afternoon aftercare program every day: 1-6 years 6-10 years, 10-14 years. As an intern, your role will be designed according to your specific skills, academic focus, and desired learning outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Help create stimulating, educative, and fun activities for the children in the after care program
- Assist with the coordination of other volunteers who come to help with the activities
- Participate in regular training sessions and workshops on relevant topics (i.e. child development, trauma-informed care, counseling techniques, classroom management)
- Assist with the development of the center, which can include fundraising, communications, partnership management, and organizational structuring
- Offer organizational support to a number of daycare centers in Masiphumelele beyond the Ubuntu Center
- Engage in research projects and advocacy initiatives related to social issues or education policies
Requirements
- Enrolled in an academic program, background, or experience in sociology, psychology, social work, community development, education, 0r pedagogy
- Willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute to project objectives
- 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
- Openness to the culture and community
- Enjoy working with children and people of different cultures
- Interest in community projects
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
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 (2025 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,864
12 weeks USD 3,839
16 weeks USD 4,387
20 weeks USD 5,255
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
GALLERY
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
When I decided to travel to Cape Town, I didn't know what to expect - but I knew that a unique experience was waiting for me. I had the opportunity to get to know the culture, locals, nature, and daily life. After a short time, I knew that this place was my home because I felt so connected to nature and people. Every day brought magical moments of rainbows in the ocean waves, butterflies landing on me, waterfalls, nature sounds, powerful storms, laughing children, pure forests, breathtaking views, etc. Once I let myself accept that Cape Town is a place that is neither fast nor perfectly organized, I was able to surrender to the flow and let each day come to me full of curiosity. I made a new family, wonderful friends, and unique experiences, and was also able to learn a lot about myself, life here, and the different cultures that come together in this country. I am deeply grateful and already looking forward to my return.
Leonie, German – Hochschule Coburg
Yoga Internship, South Africa
I had a very unique and meaningful internship with the help of Roots Interns! The projects that Roots partners with are very special. I felt very well advised choosing an organization and was given a realistic picture of the type of work at various organizations so I could narrow down my choice. The internship itself was amazing! The sense of community was wonderful and I loved the work I was doing. I would go abroad with Roots again any time!
Leonie, German – Fanny-Leicht-Gymnasium
Marketing & Communications Internship, South Africa
My dedication during my three month internship was fueled by the everyday love and appreciation received in the townships of Cape Town. The experience also evoked a sense of responsibility towards new short-term volunteer members that came in to join the dedicated team I was part of. Working on-site of the nonprofit projects was a massive source of inspiration and motivation that carried me through my internship experience.
Denver, English
Marketing & Communications 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 2,864
FEATURED REVIEW
I am very proud of all the work I engaged in during my internship in Cape Town and I have learned so much from the community in which I worked. I enjoyed building a great connection with the community of Masiphumelele and I am really glad to have met so many amazing people. The children that I worked with taught me so much about love and happiness, despite the difficult conditions they may live in. I feel like this internship has given me a new outlook on life and will help me to look at things with more positivity and gratitude.
Matthew, American – DePauw University
Youth Social Work Internship, South Africa
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain experience in social work and community outreach in one of the townships of Cape Town
- Contribute to a charity on a mission to spread the message of Ubuntu and achieve happiness for the children
- Gain a full insight in the day to day running of a community project
- Live and work in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world
- Enjoy exploring South Africa’s many highlights during your time off
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.
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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