Develop your mentorship and community engagement skills through direct involvement in youth development projects in Karonga, Malawi
Through this Youth Development Internship, you will work with an established group of youth to build life skills, support positive decision-making and encourage personal growth through structured mentorship and open dialogue. Because this role involves direct, ongoing engagement with young people, continuity matters. A minimum of one month is required, with three months strongly preferred, as trust-building and meaningful impact take time to develop. Interns are supervised by both the program lead and an experienced locally based teacher, ensuring consistent guidance, safeguarding and support throughout the placement. Upon arrival, you will be formally introduced to the youth group and all staff members, and receive a thorough orientation covering child protection and safeguarding protocols, community engagement standards and cultural expectations.
Beyond the internship, Karonga offers a warm and welcoming community alongside the stunning shores of Lake Malawi, one of Africa’s great lakes. Whether exploring local markets, connecting with your host family or taking in the natural beauty of the region, you will leave with a deeper understanding of Malawian life and a set of professional skills that will serve you well beyond the placement.
Learning Objectives
Founded on the idea of helping communities from within, this nonprofit connects passionate interns with projects that strengthen legal access, healthcare, and education in Malawi. Based in northern Malawi, the organization supports community-driven programs in areas such as gender equality, youth empowerment, safe motherhood, and human rights advocacy. Their approach is deeply collaborative, working alongside village leaders, healthcare workers, and legal professionals to ensure each initiative is relevant, sustainable, and locally led. Through this model, they foster long-term impact by equipping communities with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to create meaningful change.
This Youth Development Internship is tailored to align with your background and the current needs of the program. In this role, you’ll work closely with young people through consistent mentorship, guidance, and community engagement, helping foster meaningful relationships and long-term positive impact.
You’ll stay in a welcoming local family home in Karonga, hosted by the nonprofit’s team. The house includes shared dorm rooms up to 4 people, single bedrooms, Internet access, a peaceful garden, and secure surroundings. This accommodation offers a safe, social, and supportive environment that encourages cultural exchange while offering a practical place to stay near the project.
Make sure to visit your doctor before your internship to get all recommended vaccines and medications for your stay.
Karonga is welcoming to visitors, though petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in busier areas. Keep your belongings secure, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone after dark. Following the guidance of your host family and local supervisors will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Wifi is available at your accommodation. Ensure your phone is unlocked for international carriers so you can purchase a local SIM upon arrival or an e-SIM which can be set up prior to your travels. Local data plans are affordable and reliable, so this is generally the recommended option. Avoid using roaming on your existing plan, as it is often very expensive.
At your homestay accommodation, you will be provided with 2 meals daily – breakfast and dinner. These will mainly consist of local Malawian staples – porridge, fruit, nsima, rice, beans, meat. You are welcome to suggest meal ideas given the available ingredients in Malawi and get involved in the kitchen if you’d like. For lunch and any additional snacks, these can be easily be purchased in the local market or nearby supermarket and you can try out any restaurants in the area. Bottled water is not included and is available for interns to purchase in the supermarket.
Be sure to inform us of any dietary restrictions, prior to your travels.
Karonga is a vibrant lakeside town in northern Malawi known for its rich cultural heritage and relaxed atmosphere. Located along the shores of Lake Malawi and surrounded by scenic landscapes, Karonga offers a welcoming community and a slower-paced lifestyle. You can enjoy beautiful lake views, fresh local fish, and nearby attractions such as cultural museums, fossil sites, and peaceful beaches perfect for swimming, boating, or relaxing by the water.
Start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
4 weeks USD 1,421
8 weeks USD 2,019
12 weeks USD 2,771
16 weeks USD 3,430
20 weeks USD 4,089
26 weeks USD 5,078
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Malawi.
You can expect to foster a unique connection with the local community, as well as having many opportunities to explore various projects during your internship. If you wish to know more about what to expect, make sure to read our blog from a previous intern who traveled to Malawi!
The minimum length of our internships in Malawi is two months, but the ideal length is closer to four months, if possible. This ensures you have an adequate amount of time to make a tangible impact. Luckily, the length of our programs is customizable so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!
Yes, but you must ensure with your supervisor that your university approves this. You can also purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
Personally, you can prepare by learning about the history and culture of Malawi and reflecting on your internship goals, and we’ll be here to help you with the rest! Ask us any questions you may have about placement logistics, matchmaking, check-ins, advice on visa/insurance, or anything else you may think of. If you wish to know more about preparing for your internship, you can check out our ultimate guide to NGO internships in Africa!
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid so we’ve put together a few tips on how to fund your internship. There will be opportunities for professional and personal growth and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable!
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
