Gain hands-on social work experience in Zambia, supporting local communities through outreach, education, and empowerment programs
Embark on a transformative journey with our Social Work Internship in Zambia that will allow your to gain practical experience and immerse yourself in new community. This initiative is dedicated to empowering Grade 11 students through comprehensive mental health support, personal development, and life skills sessions. As a social work intern in Zambia, you’ll actively participate in bi-weekly programs—conducting in-school sessions on Tuesdays and facilitating sports-based activities on Thursdays. Additionally, you’ll contribute to a literacy program aimed at enhancing reading skills among Grade 5 students, thereby playing a pivotal role in fostering educational growth within the community.
Throughout this immersive internship experience, you’ll work alongside seasoned social workers and mental health counselors, gaining invaluable insights into Zambia’s social work landscape. Your involvement will not only bolster your practical skills but also contribute significantly to sustainable community development. And the bonus is, you’ll get to explore the Livingstone area and form new relationships with community members. This Social Work Internship offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact while advancing your career in social work.
Learning Objectives
This nonprofit organization is on a mission to help families in Livingstone, Zambia break the cycle of poverty. They achieve this through four areas; education, nutrition, health services, and empowerment programs. Examples of projects are tutoring programs for children who struggle at school, lunch schemes and health education, and sponsorship programs for kids who cannot afford school fees and uniforms. In order to combat gender inequality, the nonprofit also runs community workshops to raise awareness on gender-based violence, sexual health, and other related topics.
By uplifting the community through a multi-faceted approach, this organization provides people – mostly children – with the tools to become thriving members of the community, and help both themselves and their families climb out of poverty. This, in turn, adds value to the community as a whole, and a sustainable development is set in motion.
This Social Work Internship provides a comprehensive introduction to social work in Zambia. Interns will work closely with local professionals, engage with community members, and take on meaningful responsibilities that contribute to impactful social initiatives. Your role will be adapted to your background, skills, and the organization’s evolving needs.
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 will be 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.
Your backpackers accommodation is included in the internship fee, and we’ll arrange it all for you! There are dorms or single rooms available, and you’ll have use of a great number of facilities, including a pool.
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.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation for staying in touch with loved ones through WhatsApp, Zoom, etc., but it may be slow. Purchase a Zambian SIM card for reliable phone use or opt for roaming.
At the backpackers, you can enjoy diverse meals with international and local flavors! During weekdays, breakfast and dinner are included in the fee, and open fire cooking sessions and braais (BBQ) are enjoyed weekly. Make sure to notify us in advance of any allergies/dietary needs.
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 Chobe Safari (Botswana) and Victoria Falls or take a weekend trip over to Zimbabwe!
Internships with this organization are available from January to October. Start and end dates of the internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
12 weeks USD 3,466
16 weeks USD 4,334
20 weeks USD 5,203
26 weeks USD 6,506
Remote internship
12 weeks USD 655
16 weeks USD 715
20 weeks USD 775
26 weeks USD 865
Hybrid internship: get in touch for customized pricing
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Zambia.
During your internship in Zambia, you’ll be able to work with people from around the world, while also becoming part of a tight-knit community. Check out this testimonial blog from a past intern about her experience in Zambia to learn more about what your Zambian internship may entail!
An internship with an NGO in Zambia will allow you to develop and strengthen various skills such as communication, teamwork, project management, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability. You can check out this blog article in order to learn more about why doing a charity internship is good for your career!
It’s not a guarantee that there will be other interns on-site at the same time as you, but the organizations work with people internationally and locally to achieve their goals daily so there are plenty of colleagues around. The accommodation is a great way to meet other volunteers in the area as well!
Anyone over the age of 18 with a valid passport can apply for an internship abroad in Zambia.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any compensation. Since you’ll be joining a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but you can find ways to fund your internship here. The opportunities for both professional and personal growth are invaluable and your experience will bring a wealth of new knowledge!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form and share your CV with us.
We’ll set up a call to get to know a bit more about you and your internship goals.
Your placement manager will confirm with the host organization that you are qualified for their current projects.
When your host site confirms that your application is being given strong consideration, verify your interest with a USD $250 deposit.
Meet with your host organization and move forward with your new role. We’re excited to help you plan your international internship!
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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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
SOCIAL
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
