Contribute to sustainable community work through NGO development strategies
If you’re looking to get in-depth exposure to the nonprofit sector and you’re passionate about community development, this NGO Development Internship in Zambia could be the perfect match for you. You’ll join a grassroots organization in the welcoming town of Livingstone that’s on a mission to lift people out of poverty through education, nutrition, health services, and empowerment programs.
As an NGO development intern, you’ll take on a varied role within the small field-based team. While your tasks will, to some extent, be tailored to your skills and interests, you can expect to get involved in a range of areas, including fundraising, stakeholder engagement, digital marketing, impact assessment and reporting, and communications. You’ll also work closely with the CEO of the organization in developing and delivering an overall strategy.
This NGO internship in Zambia is an inspiring opportunity to get a thorough understanding of the day-to-day running of a nonprofit organization on a grassroots level. It’s also a chance to see the direct impact of your work and to immerse yourself in Zambian culture. On top of this, you’ll get to explore Livingstone’s beautiful surroundings during your time off on safaris, boat cruises, visits to the Victoria Falls, and other adventures.
Learning Outcomes
The Free Haven Community Initiative is a nonprofit organization 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 Free Haven’s 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, the Free Haven Community Initiative 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.
During your NGO development internship, your tasks may vary depending on your skills and the needs of the project, but they will likely include some of the following;
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!
Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with you during the selection process.
Please note the following:
– In-person internship: minimum duration is 12 weeks
– Remote internship: minimum duration is 16 weeks
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: USD 595
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!
Only people above the age of 21 can apply due to visa requirements. If you’re under 21 you can apply for a hybrid internship, which is up to 1 month in person and then continues remotely.
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!
“I do not have a single bad thing to say about my 9 week internship with Free Haven. Anyone who is interested in NGO management or the general behind the scenes of running an NGO would benefit greatly from working with Free Haven. From admin tasks, to social media, and teaching I got to try and experience everything. The Team was incredible and I am sure I will be back in the near future.”
Carolin, Germany, NGO Management Internship
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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!
"*" indicates required fields
Impact Made During a Photography Internship in Cape Town
What is Animal Welfare & Why is it Important?
Frequently Asked Culture Shock Questions & Answers
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.TEST
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
