Get to grips with the inner workings of nonprofits whilst improving women’s sexual health and rights
Here’s a nonprofit management internship that offers you insight into every aspect of NGO management. With this program, you’ll follow your own intuition with what tasks you take on as you gain multi-level work experience within a small, purpose-driven organization. All with while, you’ll support vital work to protect and fortify sexual reproductive health and rights in South Africa.
This organization works in a number of capacities to help end period poverty and destigmatize menstruation. So, unique to other sexual health internships, there are a variety of roles you could fill. You could be focused on their project management, grant writing, donor outreach, marketing, campaign coordination… the list goes on! You’ll also get the chance to combine working out of the office with in-field excursions — which is quite rare among nonprofit organizations internships.
Whatever position you take, you’ll play a crucial role in devising, planning, and supporting educational programmes in schools across South Africa, distributing menstrual health products to disadvantaged communities, and all the behind the scenes action that keeps an NGO running. But, depending on where your interests lie, your work may vary.
Based In the Western Cape, New Heritage Foundation is the ideal organization for a reproductive health internship. They work to end period poverty, destigmatize menstruation, and bolster women’s sexual health rights.
They do this through educational programs in schools across South Africa teaching young women and men about puberty, menstrual health management, reproductive rights and consent. Their programs are now being instituted in schools as part of their Life Orientation curriculum. They also distribute eco-friendly reusable, sanitary pads, and teach communities how to make their own.
On this Nonprofit Management Internship, you’ll have the chance to visit projects weekly, but you’ll be focused on the logistics of keeping the organization’s campaigns running smoothly. There’s a number of areas where you can help, so before starting your internship you’ll speak with the internship supervisor on what tasks are best suited for your interests and skills, depending on their current need.
Here are some of the focus areas you could get involved in:
As an intern in Cape Town, you’ll have the choice between three different accommodations. With dorm and single room options, you can opt for the lodging option that meets your needs and budget. All locations include Wifi, linens & towels, communal areas, shared facilities, 24/7 security, laundry services, and housekeeping. Each option is conveniently located to be walking distance from various shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a variety of travelers, including students & backpackers, and explore the wonders of the city – while being based in the heart of it all.
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.
South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Safety recommendations include: 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. Upon arrival, ask your accommodation about the safe/dangerous areas & streets that are nearby. 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. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and always taking an Uber once the sun goes down.
Your accommodation will include free Wifi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Most cafes/restaurants also offer free Wifi for remote work days and staying online. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked for international carrier, or setting your phone’s status to roaming (be aware of high charges for this option).
Meals are NOT included at the accommodation options in Cape Town. The kitchen facilities vary at each location and details will be provided during the application process. With a variety of international cuisine options available in the area and throughout Cape Town, there is no shortage of restaurants, bars, and cafes to try out.
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.
Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with you during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
12 WEEKS USD 2,931
16 WEEKS USD 3,630
20 WEEKS USD 4,328
24 WEEKS USD 5,027
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs 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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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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.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
