The Kingdom of Eswatini has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world, which has taken its toll on the population, leaving many children orphaned or vulnerable. The country also has an unemployment rate of about 30%, which reaches more than 50% among young people. The combination of these factors means that approximately 63% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Small businesses and social enterprises are essential to the local economy, as they provide income to families. Our partner therefore supports these structures and sends trainees and business advisors. Many of these organizations employ women, who are traditionally more marginalised in the labour market. They are also members of local fair trade organizations to ensure good labour and wage standards.

Like all of our humanitarian internship programs, the NGO internship in South Africa allows you to gain university credits while making a positive and lasting impact on the local community.

Role of the interns:

An intern, while unpaid, is different from a gap year volunteer in that they are expected to bring some knowledge and/or experience in the field in which they are working. There are fewer internship positions and competition for them is higher.

Interns will be working at a more strategic, career-focused level, which will offer a valuable, hands-on experience during their internship. Interns are also expected to take on more responsibility and create their own goals and seek out activities to get involved in or lead. They will also have a mentor assigned to them to guide them during their internship.

Upon arrival, our team will accompany the trainees for the beginning of their internship. Our interns have a world of expertise to offer, but all objectives must be established with the in-country partner so that the results are sustainable even after the intern returns.

The goal of the Business Development Project is to understand the role of business in improving the well-being and economy of a region. Students will have the opportunity to see how businesses and individuals contribute to the economy of a developing country and try to reduce the impact of poverty.

Interns can be associated with a wide variety of contractors. The structures can be small one-person companies just starting out, or large companies with more than 30 employees and exporting goods internationally. Placements are based on the availability of companies and the expertise/skills of the interns.

Some assignments you could do:

• Create marketing strategies and evaluate their impact
• Assist in creating work policies and protocol at the project site
• Assist in running a small business, including finance, team management and marketing
• Develop a sustainable goal plan
• Help develop new products to increase sales or export

A typical day as an intern:

7am: Wake up and have breakfast

7:30 a.m.: Drive to the course and prepare for the day

8:00 a.m.: Participate in the chosen project

12:30 pm : Return to the accommodation for lunch or have a packed lunch

2pm: Work on the project

4pm: Return to the accommodation, and share your day with the other trainees, why not take the time to swim in the South African waters!

18h30 : Dinner and free time

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (for Eswatini internships) OR Cape Town International Airport (for Cape Town internships) where you will be met by local team members who will transfer you to your accommodation.

Day 2: The second day begins with an informative presentation that will tell you everything you need to know about your internship: about the culture and the country, and how to effectively contribute to your internship experience.

Day 3: On the third day, you will meet the project and the people you will be working with. Our team will accompany you to the project site, where you will also discuss the objectives of the course.

Day 4: After your first meeting with your partner, it’s time to plan your week! Find out which days are best for organising your schedule or moving forward with your research.

The weekends are free, you can rest and discover the city through different activities!