INTERNSHIP – 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

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

Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship in Eswatini

All Out Afica — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 09:03:12 +0000

Hi there! My name is Clare Gill, over the course of October, I have been working in partnership with Likusasa Letfu via All Out Africa to help empowering youth and support the young producers of Eswatini so that they can develop sustainable businesses of their own.

A bit about me:

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Marketing Management from the University of Gloucestershire (UK), I have spent the last decade working in advertising agencies across the UK and Australia. I am accomplished and have certificates in product management and advanced strategy. My speciality is understanding the psychology behind purchase journeys, from people discovering your product to what would progress them to make a sale.

Inspired by the Youth Entrepreneurship of Eswatini

The entrepreneurial spirit of Eswatini has been truly inspiring. During my time here, I have had one-on-one coaching sessions with youth producers, met with young mothers from the LaMgabhi community who have been building businesses to support their new families and have given a product management lecture at the Institute of Development Management for Junior Achievement Eswatini and UNFPA.

Clare meeting with young mothers from LaMgabhi who have been building businesses to support their families.

Building businesses takes hard work, dedication, and resilience, and in my short time here, it has been incredible to see the progress that the young entrepreneurs have been making. They are the future of Eswatini.

Clare Delivering a Lecture on Product Management.

Khangisa Shop and Market

At the front of Likusasa Letfu, we have an outlet selling handmade, homemade, and home-grown youth produce. Our items range from jams to biltong, cushions and homeware, art, jewelry, and cleaning products. Each item represents the creativity and potential of our youth and serves as a seed for creating more sustainable futures.

Khangisa Shop: A Display Space for Local Producers’ Products

On the last Saturday of each month, we host a market at Mahhala for youth producers to showcase their wares free of charge. Participants are responsible for bringing their own tables and display materials.

Written by Clare Gill – Business Development and Product Design intern

If you are interested in making an impact and interning with us, email bookings@alloutafrica.com.

Transformative Experiences and Invaluable Insights: My Internship Journey with All Out Africa Foundation

All Out Afica — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:07:56 +0000

During my internship at All Out Africa Foundation, I had the opportunity to work towards the organization’s growth by fostering partnerships, improving operational processes, and engaging in community initiatives. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of my experiences and contributions during my time with the foundation. The internship involved a combination of office-based work and field activities, including teaching oral hygiene to school children and exploring the National Kruger Park.

Martin conducting oral hygiene education at Ezulwini NCP.

Partnerships and Development: One of my primary responsibilities was to identify and establish partnerships with relevant stakeholders, both local and international, to support the foundation’s mission. I conducted research to identify potential collaborators and communicated with them to explore mutually beneficial opportunities. These partnerships not only provided financial support, but also enabled the organization to expand its reach and impact within the community.
Operational Improvement: To help streamline the foundation’s operations, I conducted a thorough assessment of existing processes and identified areas for improvement. After consultation with the team, I proposed a new system for project management, which involved digitalizing certain aspects of data collection and reporting. This helped to enhance efficiency and transparency, facilitating better communication among team members and stakeholders.
Community Engagement – Oral Hygiene Education: As part of the foundation’s community outreach efforts, I was involved in an initiative to educate school children about the importance of oral hygiene. Alongside a team of volunteers, I designed interactive and engaging sessions that taught the children proper brushing techniques and oral care habits. Witnessing the children’s enthusiasm and eagerness to adopt healthier habits was incredibly rewarding. This program not only contributed to the children’s well-being but also strengthened the foundation’s ties with the local community.
National Kruger Park Visit: During my internship, I had the privilege of visiting the National Kruger Park. This experience was not only a refreshing break, but also an opportunity to witness the significance of wildlife conservation efforts. The park’s vast biodiversity and stunning landscapes left a profound impact on me, highlighting the importance of environmental preservation and sustainable tourism.

The magic of Kruger National Park’s nocturnal wildlife on an adventurous night game drive.

My internship at All Out Africa Foundation was a transformative experience, allowing me to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impacted the community. From fostering partnerships for implementing operational improvements and engaging in educational initiatives, I developed valuable skills and gained insights into the world of nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the visit to the National Kruger Park served as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the need for responsible tourism. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the foundation’s mission and look forward to applying the knowledge and experiences gained from this internship in my future endeavours.

Join the All Out Africa Foundation and make a difference like Martin. Click here to learn more. Together, we can create a brighter future. Special thanks to Martin Le Coulm for sharing his story!

Empowering youth in Eswatini through entrepreneurship

All Out Afica — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 10:23:32 +0000

Youth unemployment is one of the major challenges faced by Eswatini. The problem is exacerbated by limited alternate opportunities to earn decent livelihoods. Since the youth form the backbone of the Eswatini population – over 60% – the country’s sustainable development hinges on harnessing the demographic dividend. That entails going beyond the limited formal employment opportunities for youth and creating and availing opportunities to make a decent living and contribute to the realization of the agenda of the country. Acknowledging the importance of investing in and creating space and opportunities for young people for them to realize their full potential, All Out Africa has pioneered entrepreneurship training that will be geared toward youth empowerment.

In my short time so far in Eswatini, I have been first-hand able to experience some of the bottom-up initiatives aimed at elevating future economic enterprises in the country, with a considerable emphasis on youth empowerment. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to contribute to entrepreneurship classes aimed at building the skills that many of the youth currently regrettably lack, but yet need in order to succeed in building their own profitable start-ups. In present-day Eswatini among the youth, there is an unemployment rate ranging from 40%-70% throughout the kingdom, something that has only been exacerbated by the covid pandemic. Through my research, as well as when chatting to students in the class I have come across a recurring theme where young adults have been forced to abandon their livelihood during the pandemic and now find it increasingly hard to regain their previous source of income.

Alexander presents his findings.

In response to this, classes such as the one I’ve been part of have sprung up across the country, aiming to help young adults provide for themselves rather than have to face the limited other opportunities around. During these classes, I have been able to hear some of the business ideas and plans that different individuals have put forward, and what has struck me the most is the range of ideas coming from such a small group. Plans ranged from selling electrical services to exporting poultry abroad as far as the UAE as well as developing a mobile system where patients are more easily able to track their daily symptoms; thus grossly helping medical professionals in diagnosing ailments quicker and supplying cures more efficiently. What has become clear in my short stint so far is that this is a deeply resourceful group of young adults who definitely want to ameliorate their future, and I have felt fortunate to learn from them and try to help them in any way can. Lessons, despite the vast amount of content covered, are light-hearted and I believe that they are taking in what is being said and doing their best to try to gain the skills that will help them a great deal in the future.

During my time here in Eswatini, working days have followed a familiar recurring schedule. Around 8:30 every morning I would start off with the research portion of my day, which would normally take me through towards lunch which I would prepare for myself. This would be followed by a short trip downtown towards the local NCP for a 13:30 start which would last through to 15:30, with me presenting my findings to the group as well as answering questions. After returning back to the lodge preparation would begin for research the following day as well as personal work and leisure.

Enterprise development coordinator Mfanukhona facilitating a class.

So far, my research has stemmed from factors affecting entrepreneurship development and the processes needed to create a successful and profitable micro-enterprise. I have taken a deeper look at the importance of an effective business plan, as well as what it should contain, marketing; the debate of online vs traditional methods, and the significance of primary and secondary research in performing a SWOT analysis. All of the above processes help in identifying your competitors and target market. When identifying the factors that affect entrepreneurship development I did my best to keep it relevant to Eswatini so that it would best engage my audience when presenting. This was most easily done when trying to find Business Development Services in the kingdom for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). An extract of my research from this section can be seen below.

‘When you start a business it is important to look for potential investors. They can be useful for a number of reasons. Firstly, they will provide seed capital to start the business. Secondly, they assist in business planning for a startup. Thirdly, they are profit oriented hence they will ensure that capital is invested in the correct way and can be consulted with. There are a number of investors in Eswatini who offer such services. The Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) is a Government supported organisation established in 1970 with the mandate to create, develop and promote Small, Micro & Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) throughout the Kingdom of Eswatini. This makes it one of the largest and most reputable investors. The Industrial Development Company Of Eswatini (IDCE) is another example of a well known lender that offers agricultural, corporate and SME loans.

SME, Small Medium Enterprise, loans are targeted and suitable to every sector of the economy for purposes of funding of goods or services required by the business. An example of the terms for an SME loan from IDCE are:

Minimum: E10 000 (Swazi lilangeni)

Maximum: E1.5 million

Repayment Period: 3 – 5 years

Security: should be able cover 100% of the total debt

Promoter’s Contribution: a minimum of 20% of the total project total cost

What was at the heart of the lessons was an attempt to try to change the mindset of Swazis in order to allow them to think more like entrepreneurs. In order to do this, I tried to include a section in my work on initial ideas that needed to be considered when starting a business as well as considering your ‘why,’ as nine times out of ten a larger goal than simply to make money is what drove the world’s richest individuals when they first started their own businesses. An individual’s why could be to have a positive impact on the environment or to help elevate their local community. Pairing this with an idea that is profitable and that they are talented will more than likely lead to a successful initial business, assuming that external factors remain constant.

Written by Pama Alexander, Microfinance intern