An intern, although also not being paid, is different from a Gap-year volunteer as they are expected to bring some knowledge and/or experience in the area they are working in.

There are fewer internship posts available so competition for these is higher. Interns will be working at a more career focused strategic level and developing local capacity to work effectively and with meaning, as well as gaining valuable hands-on, practical experience during their placement. Interns are also expected to take on more responsibility and to create their own goals and seek activities to be involved in or lead. They will also have a mentor assigned to them to guide them during the internship.

Upon arrival, our team will assist our interns with getting started, meeting their partners if they are off campus, and advising them on next steps. Our interns, then have the flexibility to create their own schedule with their partners, and together create a plan of action, including goals to achieve whilst working together. For this reason, it is important that the word “partner” remain key throughout the experience. Our interns have a world of expertise to offer, however all goals should be created together with the in-country partner so the outcomes are sustainable even after the intern returns home. We do not expect our interns to take on a job position, but rather take on the role of advisor; offering advice, suggestions and assistance in creating strategies that will make long term impacts.

The focus of the Early Childhood Development Internship will be to work in collaboration with our 6 Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs), which operate in rural areas of Eswatini and cater to vulnerable and orphaned children. These NCPs were set up by the All Out Africa Foundation, in and effort to keep children stay in school longer, do better in school and hopefully influence their lives as adults. This internship would assist the NCP and Sponsorship Coordinator to implement, monitor and evaluate the Schedule of Works (curriculum) for the 6 supported NCPs. Also to assist the Coordinator to ensure that the NCPs roll out of the Schedule of Works is successful and give support to implement changes where needed. For those interested in primary school education, placements can also be arranged at local primary schools (depending on availability - please let us know your interests and preferences).

Some of the activities you may get involved in may include: