Partner Organization: SAVE Foundation

SAVE Foundation is a registered non-profit organization that works to enrich, educate and empower various township and settlement communities. Established in 2006, SAVE Foundation’s aim is to provide support for local communities by assisting with educational & public health programs, youth development, sports and skills development, which will enable them to rise above the vicious circle of poverty that these young people find themselves in. Their goal is to bring new skills to a community that otherwise would not have access to them and provide disadvantaged children with education & the skills and knowledge to create a future for themselves, their family and ultimately their community.

Why Choose This Focus Area? 

Sub-Saharan Africa faces the biggest challenges in providing schools with basic resources. The situation is extreme at the primary school levels, where less than one half of schools in the region have access to drinking water, electricity, computers and the Internet. This internship explores the challenges and factors at play in Education & Community Development in Africa & challenges our students to think out the box to address the needs of schools in the communities our local partners in South Africa work in.

Partner Organization: Wild Connection (In conjunction with Wild Trust, Wild Lands & Wild Oceans)

Wild Trust is a South African Non-Profit, Non-Government, and Public Welfare Organization, established in 2004 through the merger of two regional Trusts. It pursues the realization of its vision of “A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR ALL” through two core programs: Wild Lands and Wild Oceans. The Wild Lands program focuses on terrestrial conservation and underwriting the sustainable development of the green economy, and the Wild Oceans program focuses on marine and coastal conservation and underwriting the sustainable development of the blue economy. The Wild Trust vision is achieved through working at the interface between environmental sustainability and human wellbeing to improve the livelihood of underprivileged communities and to restore the ecosystems that support them. The work of the Wild Trust encourages the employment and upskilling of young people and the empowerment of communities to deliver a sustained and improved environmental outcome and impact.

Why Choose This Focus Area? 

South Africa is a microcosm for the wonders of Africa—from its rich cultures and dramatic landscapes to its legendary wildlife. On this internship, you’ll learn from experts in the field about the challenges facing the preservation of various species , including the critically endangered Black Rhino, and what it means to manage wildlife in Africa. Students will discover and learn about the incredible biodiversity within Somkhanda’s Big Five Game Reserve perimeters, and learn about the various conservation methods and tools used in the field to protect the animals.

Students will also dive straight into discovering the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic & Indian Oceans! Home to the Marine Big 5, South Africa serves as the perfect destination for marine conservation enthusiasts to learn more about the initiatives and projects in the region that support marine conservation. From Great White Sharks to African penguins, students will explore what it means to to be Marine Biologist in one of the worlds most unique marine environments.

Partner Organizations: Marine Dynamics (in conjunction with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust)

Based in Gansbaai, South Africa (the home of The Marine Big 5 and great white shark capital of the world) Marine Dynamics is a family of organizations dedicated to the marine environment. They embody the mantra ‘Discover & Protect’ through ecotourism, research, conservation and outreach projects. Students on this internship will be working alongside the Dyer Conservation Trust, which delivers conservation and research programs to protect the biodiversity of the marine eco-system surrounding Dyer Island.

Why Choose This Focus Area? 

This environment and ocean stewardship program aims to take students to the next level by exposing them to offshore marine & climate research which will help build the case for protecting coastlines in Africa (and around the world!). Become part of a community of ocean advocates through supporting various marine conservation projects while learning more about the effects of climate change on this unique and delicate environment.