Be part of developing a social impact program and ensuring its sustainability in the future
This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a community center that offers a range of educational programs and gain a wealth of work experience in the process. Based in a welcoming community just outside of Livingstone, the center is a hub for children’s education, skill development workshops for adults, and creative clubs that bring the community together.
As an intern, you’ll enjoy great flexibility in your tasks; you can contribute to the development of the center’s programs, assist with fundraising and communications efforts, and get involved with sustainability and planning – it depends on your skills and experience. On top of this, you’ll have the chance to be involved in running classes and workshops on the ground; a wonderful opportunity to contribute to this initiative in a practical way, and to immerse yourself in Zambian culture.
Not unimportantly, this nonprofit internship in Zambia allows you to spend some time in Livingstone, a place that will charm you with its friendliness and seduce you with its romantic setting on the Zambezi River. During weekends, you’ll be able to visit the Victoria Falls (just a few minutes’ drive away from Livingstone!), go on game drives, watch sunset on the Zambezi, or cross over into Botswana to visit the stunning Chobe National Park.
Baobuyu Learning Center is a community center that provides a large number of educational programs to the local community. It’s based in Mwandi, a rural community on the outskirts of Livingstone that deals with a lack of opportunities and resources. The center was established in 2016, and has since grown into an important hub with a varied program of free workshops and classes.
During the mornings, the center provides primary education for children aged 2 to 6. The goal is to provide free education to children who might otherwise not have access to quality schooling. During the afternoons, the center becomes the venue of a number of clubs and workshops, including;
As a Sustainable Development intern, you’ll have a job description that suits your skills and interests. You can take on a great variety of tasks, or, if you prefer, you can focus on specific areas.
Depending on your skills and experience, your tasks can include;
You’ll stay in a shared house near Baobuyu Learning Center, together with the founder of the organization and other team members. It’s a basic but very comfortable house in a nice area of Livingstone and only a 20-minute stroll into the center of town. The house has three bedrooms, plenty of living space, and a large garden. There are three dogs at the property. You’ll share a room and bathroom with one other person.
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.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before yor internship and to get all the recommended vaccines, malaria profylaxis, and/or medications necessary to stay healthy.
There is no Wifi available at the accommodation, so you will have to use mobile data. Purchase a Zambian SIM card for reliable phone use or opt for international roaming.
Food is not included and you can prepare your own meals in the kitchen at the accommodation. Zambia is not known for its cuisine, but there are few things you definitely need to try.
Nshima: thick maize porridge, which is a staple food all across Africa
Zambezi bream: fish from the Zambezi river
Ifisashi: vegetarian stew of peanuts, tomatoes, spinach and cabbage – usually served with nshima
Mosi: the local beer
You will be based in Livingstone, a town that’s famous for the Victoria Falls, but there is plenty more to see and do in your spare time. Take a stroll at one of the local markets and enjoy the friendliness of the Zambian population. Or if you are more adventurous, think about rafting the mighty Zambezi river or a bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge. And of course, there are plenty of opportunities in the area to go on a safari, either in the country or across the border in Botswana or Zimbabwe. Never a dull moment in Livingstone!
Start and end dates for the internship with this organization are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,349
12 weeks USD 3,147
16 weeks USD 3,945
20 weeks USD 4,744
26 weeks USD 5,941
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
