Help a social impact program grow their reach by reaching a wider audience
This internship is a wonderful chance to gain practical experience in copywriting and communications, while helping a social impact organization define their message and grow their reach. As an intern, you can either join their small team on the ground in Livingstone, Zambia, or work remotely, if that works better for you.
You’ll join Baobuyu Learning Center, an education-focused nonprofit organization based in a welcoming community on the outskirts of Livingstone. Baobuyu runs a community center that serves as a pre-school in the mornings, offering high quality education to kids in the community, and as a workshop space in the afternoons. As an intern, you’ll help get the word out about Baobuyu’s work. This can be by developing and managing social media channels, writing online content, writing reports and proposals, and assisting with the overall development of a communications strategy. You might also help with fundraising campaigns.
If you’re keen to practice your writing skills, get hugely varied work experience in the communications field, and contribute to an inspiring cause at the same time, this could be a great opportunity for you.
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;
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 your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines, malaria profylaxis, and/or medications necessary to stay healthy.
Free Wifi is available at the accommodation for staying in touch with loved ones through WhatsApp, Facetime, etc., but it may be slow. 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. Zambia is not known for its cuisine but there are few things you definitely need to try.
Nshima: a 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 (2025 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,197
12 weeks USD 2,864
16 weeks USD 3,531
20 weeks USD 4,199
26 weeks USD 5,199
Remote internship: USD 595
NOTE: Internship applications for 2024 are now closed. Applications are open for start dates in 2025.
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 have really enjoyed the variety of tasks and projects that I've been able to be involved with from afar. I have spent the last month or so creating a 'Basic First Aid' booklet for an intensive community workshop that Baobuyu is planning to run. I have also created resources for their female empowerment groups, like a leaflet on puberty and we are hoping to create a leaflet on entrepreneurship for the 'Vision for Women' group. In the next month, I am also looking at possibly starting a blog section on their website and researching possible grants.”
Anais, Remote writing intern, United Kingdom
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
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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
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
