ALL OUT AFRICA – All Out Africa

Journalism Internship in Eswatini: Hilda’s Turing Scheme Experience

Simise — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:59:45 +0000

For three weeks, Bournemouth University student Hilda Najjumbа traded the UK for a journalism internship in Eswatini with Inside Biz. Supported by All Out Africa and funded through the Turing Scheme, the experience gave Hilda the opportunity to develop her journalism skills, explore a new culture and experience working abroad for the first time.

Hi my name is Hilda Najjumba and I’m now a final year multimedia journalism student at Bournemouth University. I specifically chose this university because I wanted to move away from home but not too far, live somewhere different from the city of London and also the course I am on really enticed me when I read and experienced it at their open days. So from then on I decided to give it a go and I haven’t regretted it since!

I knew the opportunity to work overseas was an option but I never thought it was an option for me until I was accepted. Even then, money and funding would have always been a barrier for me personally but when I learnt about the Turing Scheme, I knew I had to give it a go. The skills in order for my personal growth as travelling the world is always something I’ve wanted to do and enhancing career prospects for my future.

Applying for the traineeship was something I had to be optimistic about. After many rejections from work experience positions in the UK, I almost gave up hope so applying for one overseas seemed like an impossible win. When I got accepted I was over the moon and I knew I couldn’t say no. I researched the country I would be staying in, Eswatini which is a small country close to South Africa, and I was very excited to start but also very nervous to be leaving home for three weeks. The job was a journalism intern at a local online Magazine called Inside Biz and I initially found it through a different internship scheme from an organisation called All Out Africa who were my hosts for accomodation and activities.

The Turing Scheme funding helped me a lot as I had to pay for the internship and it was very valuable money spent on a very valuable experience.

I spent 3 weeks in the wonderful country of Eswatini on a journalism internship for my multimedia journalism course at Inside Biz, arranged by All out Africa.

I will start the journey off with the day of my takeoff, I left my passport at home! I think all my nerves had gotten the better of me that afternoon, to the point where I had to turn back and practically sprint to my house to get it. But thankfully I made it to the airport in due time and I was all set to go. Saying goodbye to my family was the first milestone I overcame. This is my first time solo travelling but I knew that this experience was going to help me grow as a person and bring positive things to my future.

I landed in South Africa early in the morning and then began my drive to Eswatini. When I arrived that’s when everything became real. I won’t lie and say I wasn’t scared but I was also ready to get stuck in with what was ahead of me.

Simise, one of the All Out Africa staff member, met me in the morning and gave me a small but great tour of Mbabane. I got introduced to the Inside Biz team and they were all lovely people to work with and I have loved getting to know them. I also had the opportunity to visit the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services and this the country’s radio station. We had a little tour and they even offered me some work experience that I had to kindly decline because of time.

The country was very friendly and accommodating. I did have to get used to the transportation and timing of things however I was warned about ‘Swazi timing’ by Simise so it was something I had to adjust to but it wasn’t a big issue during my time there.

I got started on my internship at Inside Biz the next day and the 3 weeks flew by. I got to do so many different things and put the skills I’m learning at university to good practice in a real life journalism setting. My favourite event had to be a dialogue event about an organisation called Women’s Unlimited who spoke about solutions that can be made to prevent gender based violence and sexual harassment in Higer educational institutions. It was nice to hear and cover how they were tackling this problem.

Inside Biz gave me a chance to write for their online magazine as well as their other magazine “Kulture” that focuses on lifestyle and culture around Eswatini. I’ve written features, event overviews, magazine promotion events and even gotten to do the one thing I am most passionate about right now, photography and my own content creation on the side. I loved seeing some of the economic initiatives the country had in store and also loved the great sense of community here through music events, art events, farmers markets and so much more.

In my free time over the weekends I had the chance to explore the country’s amazing landscape. When I first arrived in Eswatini I was stunned by how close I was to the mountainous views. I got to go to the Mantenga nature reserve and Swazi Cultural village arranged by Lucy and the All Out Africa team and it was so much fun experiencing a diverse and exciting culture.

I also celebrated my birthday during my time here and I got to do horseriding which is something I have always wanted to do as horses are my favourite animal. The two hour ride was peaceful and I got to experience being mere feet away from zebras without a glass barrier in front of me and I am very happy to have experienced that. Not only that but on my birthday I got three cakes, one from the all out staff, one from inside biz and one from Sinothemba, one of the Lidwala staff. They made me feel really special on my day when I thought I would feel alone, so I am forever grateful for the celebrations on my 20th birthday.

This traineeship helped me understand that different journalistic outlets all have different ways of writing and learning them can be challenging but not impossible. It developed my interview and research skills and gave me confidence to be afraid to create content in public. Being a multimedia journalism student made it a lot easier to adjust to this traineeship as I soon came to realise that all the practice we would do in lectures and workshops completely replicated to the real world so when it got to my last week, I could do the job with ease. In Eswatini they speak Siswati and English but it was only fair of me to learn a few words and phrases to get around. The language is definitely not an easy one but a few phrases were easy for me to understand and even speak so it wasn’t terrible. However if I were to go back, learning more words and phrases would be beneficial.

I won’t lie and say there weren’t challenges as I felt homesick quite a bit but calling home is nothing to be embarrassed about as I probably did it everyday. It helped me to remember that people were still thinking about me and waiting for me when I came back home.

This traineeship has been something that will alter my life forever. I say this in terms of being able to understand and respect different cultural perspectives allows me to be open and understanding to situations that can even come off as difficult. In addition, I am now able to understand different cultural mannerisms, for example in Eswatini everyone is very close and friendly so saying hello to someone on the street is a norm, whereas in the UK it’s less common. Regarding my future, I do believe that employers would see me as someone who is eager and ambitious to try new things. It also has encouraged me to want to travel in my free time even more, not only for employment but to be able to experience different cultures and see more of the world rather than staying in one place.

If I were to give advice to myself at the start of my experience knowing what I know now it would be, “ There’s something beyond this for you and everything happening now is happening for a reason.” This is because I know it doesn’t end here for me. I have made long lasting connections with people, not just professionally but also personally. My greatest achievement from this has been me not giving up even when I wanted to. The whole process of getting to Eswatini was challenging and didn’t feel real until I landed but I’m so happy I didn't give up.

Overall, I will definitely be going back home with loads of stories to tell my friends, family and lecturers at university. It has been an incredible experience and I’m glad I took that leap of faith to do it. If I were to recommend this experience to someone I definitely would. I would like to say a massive thank you to All Out Africa, Lidwala Lodge and Inside Biz x Kulture for all taking a chance on me when I needed it. Every single person that helped me will never be forgotten and will definitely be missed.

Written by: Hilda Najjumba - Photography and Videography intern

Feeling inspired? Contact us on bookings@alloutafrica.com for more information on our internships. You can first take a look at the relevant webpages (listed under "LEARN". Hilda undertook the internship in Photography and Videography internship

Savannah Research Centre Eswatini Q1 2026

Simise — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:41:37 +0000

Savannah Research Centre Eswatini Q1 2026 highlights a productive period of conservation work, volunteer engagement, and community outreach across Eswatini. Earlier this year, the SRC team hosted a World Challenge group (11 participants) at Wide Horizons Mountain Retreat. The group actively engaged in various conservation activities, including rodent trapping, camera trapping, and the removal of invasive species.

In addition, they contributed to community outreach by teaching over 65 local pupils about ecology and conservation, helping to raise environmental awareness among young learners.

During this period, the SRC hosted 2 interns and 18 volunteers. Their primary contribution was to the large herbivore monitoring project, focusing on giraffe and zebra photo identification. Participants received training prior to fieldwork and were involved in both data collection and data entry. As a result:

24 giraffes were successfully identified
8 zebras were successfully identified

Furthermore, two call-in surveys were conducted in Mlawula Nature Reserve as part of the Spotted Hyena Monitoring Project.

SRC staff attended a workshop hosted by RECAP_BR at Mabuda Farm Lodge in Siteki. The workshop focused on empowering African students through funding opportunities to conduct research within their home countries, with the aim of generating locally relevant knowledge and supporting community development.

A concrete slab was successfully constructed in the dining area around the kitchen. This improvement enhances the functionality and durability of the camp’s communal space.

The SRC experienced several operational challenges during this period:

Heavy rains led to flooding and erosion within the SRC camp. Fortunately, no major damages were incurred, and the camp was restored promptly.
Weather conditions also made field operations difficult during the World Challenge programme; however, all planned activities were successfully completed.
Roads within Mbuluzi Game Reserve were damaged due to the rains, resulting in two instances of tire damage to the Mahindra vehicle, requiring replacements.
Power outages, caused by a faulty solar electricity system, disrupted daily operations during the volunteer and intern programme.

Despite these challenges, SRC maintained operational continuity and successfully delivered all key activities.

Feeling inspired? Contact us at bookings@alloutafrica.com to learn more about our Eswatini Conservation volunteering and internship programs.

We’re Proud to Share Some Big News from Tofo Beach!

All Out Afica — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:33:14 +0000

We’re delighted to announce that a story about an exciting scientific paper - authored by our very own Marine Conservation Project Coordinator, Jule Buschmann - will soon be featured in Shark News, the newsletter of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group! Look out for the article in issue 12 due to be published very soon.

The paper, published late last year in Frontiers in Marine Science, highlights the ground-breaking work being done by our Marine Research Programme in Tofo Beach.

So what’s the research all about?

Over a period of three years, Jule and the team used long-life remote underwater video cameras (LL-RUVs) to observe visitors to the reef - without any disturbance by divers. These cameras were placed at reef “cleaning stations,” where species like manta rays gather to get spruced up by small fish. The result? Over 500 hours of footage revealing 14 different shark and ray species, including reef mantas, oceanic mantas, and even the elusive smalleye stingray.

The footage captured not only who’s visiting these reef spas, but also some interesting and rarely witnessed behaviours and interactions between species. It’s all part of a bigger picture that helps scientists better understand how to protect these incredible (and often endangered) creatures.

Why it matters

The study showcases a low-impact, high-reward method for monitoring marine wildlife, crucial in places like southern Mozambique, a global biodiversity hotspot. By seeing how these animals use local reef, researchers can develop better conservation strategies and ensure cleaning stations are protected for the long haul.

We’re incredibly proud of Jule and the team for this contribution to global marine science, and can’t wait for the upcoming feature in Shark News. Stay tuned to this page for when it goes live in issue 12!

Want to get involved?

You can be part of this pioneering research through our Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation Volunteer Programme in Mozambique! Work alongside scientists, assist with underwater camera deployments, help ID species from video footage, and contribute directly to cutting-edge conservation.

Whether you're a budding marine biologist or just passionate about ocean life, this is your chance to make a difference and have the adventure of a lifetime.

Learn more & apply now– limited spaces available! SPECIAL OFFER FOR NOVEMBER 2025 START!

To celebrate this publication we are offering a very special discount for volunteers wishing to join us in November 2025: Book a four week placement for the price of three weeks – Yes, that’s right, one whole week free.

Email bookings@alloutafrica.com quoting “Shark News” to claim this amazing offer.

*Direct bookings only

Be sure to follow on Instagram or Facebook to see latest news, photos and videos from the project in Tofo Beach

Empowering Healthy Living: My Internship Journey in Eswatini

All Out Afica — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:45:58 +0000

Hi, my name is Loes van Hest. I completed a 10-week internship in the field of health and nutrition. I went to Eswatini to learn more about the culture and way of life here. I wanted to understand the conditions better and hoped I could assist All Out Africa by offering advice where needed.

Loes Van Hest teaching Mvutjini NCP children about sustainability

I began by measuring BMIs at the NCPs in Ekuzukekeni and Ezulwini, where I discovered a significant difference between the two. After measuring the BMIs, I also focused on a school in a rural area, Lamgambhi. Despite their different environments, Ezulwini and Lamgambhi had one thing in common: around 40% of the children in both schools were underweight. I wanted to find out why, as the conditions at these two NCPs are very different.

Loes measuring BMIs at Lamgabhi NCP

I gathered information from teachers, staff, and other people I met during my internship in the neighbourhood. After identifying the reasons for the underweight issues, I created a suggestion report. In this report, I provided advice and suggestions that All Out Africa can implement in the future.

I learned a lot from my internship. I developed skills in creating effective schedules, setting priorities, and establishing boundaries. I was given the freedom to determine what I needed to achieve my goals while receiving the necessary guidance and support.

Ekuzukekeni NCP children having their lunch

I experienced the culture in various ways, observing the differences between city life, peri-urban areas, and rural areas, and how these environments affect the residents. I learned that each environment has unique challenges, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. However, one thing remains important across all areas: raising awareness about issues like healthy living, especially understanding what is and isn’t healthy and the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle. There’s no better place to start than at an early age, at the NCP.

Written by Loes Van Hest – Early Childhood Health and Nutrition intern

What are the Accommodation and Living Arrangements like for Volunteers in Eswatini?

All Out Afica — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 11:26:05 +0000

When embarking on an incredible volunteering journey with All Out Africa in Eswatini, volunteers not only get the opportunity to make a positive impact in the local community but also enjoy comfortable accommodation and living arrangements. In this blog post, we will explore what volunteers can expect in terms of accommodation, meals, and the overall experience of staying at Lidwala Lodge.

Accommodation at Lidwala Lodge:

Lidwala Lodge, located in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley, serves as the base for volunteers during their time in Eswatini. The lodge offers dormitory-style rooms, where volunteers have the chance to live and socialize with other like-minded individuals who share the same passion for making a difference. The communal living environment fosters a sense of camaraderie, collaboration, and friendship among volunteers.

Lidwala Lodge dormitory-style room

Comfortable Dorms:

The dormitory-style rooms provided by Lidwala Lodge ensure that volunteers have a comfortable place to rest and recharge after their busy day of volunteering. The rooms are equipped with cosy beds, clean linens, and secure lockers for personal belongings. This setup ensures that volunteers have a safe and relaxing space to unwind, connect with other volunteers, and reflect on their experiences.

A group of volunteers conquering the Sheba’s Breast hiking trail, embracing nature’s beauty and forging lasting bonds.

Delicious Meals:

Lidwala Lodge takes care of volunteers’ nutritional needs by offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner as part of their stay. These meals are typically served buffet-style and feature a variety of local and international dishes to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Volunteers can look forward to enjoying delicious and wholesome meals, providing them with the energy and nourishment needed for their volunteer activities.

Community Living Experience:

Staying at Lidwala Lodge not only provides a comfortable place to rest but also offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in a vibrant and inclusive community. Volunteers have the chance to interact with fellow volunteers from around the world, sharing stories, cultural experiences, and forming meaningful connections. The communal living experience fosters a sense of unity and friendship, enabling volunteers to support and learn from one another.

An amazing team of volunteers, smiling together in front of the picturesque Lidwala Lodge deck, creating lifelong memories

Additional Amenities:

In addition to comfortable accommodation and delicious meals, Lidwala Lodge offers various amenities and facilities for volunteers to enjoy during their free time. These may include a swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, internet access, a bar, and communal spaces for socializing and relaxation. Volunteers can take advantage of these amenities to unwind, recharge, and connect with others after their volunteer work.

Volunteers bonding and connect with each other after a fulfilling day of making a difference

Volunteering with All Out Africa in Eswatini not only provides an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact but also ensures a comfortable and enjoyable living experience at Lidwala Lodge. With dormitory-style rooms, delicious meals, and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, volunteers can create lifelong memories while collaborating on meaningful projects. The accommodation and living arrangements at Lidwala Lodge foster a sense of camaraderie and provide a safe refuge for volunteers to rest, reflect, and recharge. So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable volunteer journey in Eswatini, where both personal growth and a sense of community await.

Contact bookings@alloutafrica.com to book your next volunteer experience.