Every year, Grassroot Soccer selects a small group of of recent college graduates to serve as GRS Interns in Africa. Joining local program management teams, GRS Interns serve a crucial role in the successful delivery of Grassroot Soccer Programs in numerous sites across Southern Africa. Activities and responsibilities of Interns include but are not limited to:
- Assisting in planning and implementing of youth-targeted HIV prevention education programs
- Networking with community organizations to develop relationships and to promote GRS programs and services
- Planning and coordination of community events such as Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) soccer tournaments
- Building capacity of GRS field staff and local GRS coaches
- Assisting with program monitoring and evaluation
- Recruiting community-based volunteers
- Assisting in curriculum and business development
Interns gain valuable field and work experience in international health, HIV and AIDS prevention, and Youth Development through Sports. Most importantly, Interns develop meaningful, long-term relationships with communities to help build local capacity and ownership over GRS Programs.
Application Process
The 2010-2011 Intern application process is now OPEN. . GRS currently is seeking Interns in the following departments: Programs, Business Development, Operations, Curriculum Development, Research and Advocacy. Please visit our FAQ page, to view further descriptions of each of these departmental assignments.
Ideal Intern candidates are genuinely and wholeheartedly committed to Grassroot Soccer’s mission and methods. These candidates will also be creative, courageous, passionate, hard-working, independent, culturally-sensitive, open-minded, insightful, intellectually mature and responsible. Additionally, they will possess and demonstrate:
- Enthusiasm for and experience working with young people;
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
- Passion for sports and international health and development;
- Excellent computer skills;
- Practical leadership experience
- Commitment to social justice, community service and international health and development; and
- A genuine desire to make a difference in the greatest public health crisis of our lifetime!
The normal term of service for an Intern is 12 months (August-August).Interns are required to take part in training, both in the US prior to departure and in South Africa upon initial arrival to Africa. This training is designed to introduce Interns to the GRS curriculum and give them strategies and tools to maximize their effectiveness and enjoyment of their internship experience.
Supporting Your Internship: Fundraising
Grassroot Soccer provides room and board at the host sites and during training sessions. Grassroot Soccer DOES NOT provide financial compensation to Interns during their volunteer work at their host site (s). It is the responsibility of the individual Intern to raise his/her own funds for airfare, transportation, activities, and incidentals. Interns have traditionally raised their own funds by hosting fundraisers, finding support through their undergraduate institutions and/or through local groups such as Rotary Clubs. We suggest a minimum fundraising goal of $10,000. GRS staff will provide suggestions for fundraising activities.
After Your Internship
Upon return to the United States, Interns will be expected to participate fully in post-program activities. These activities include giving presentations about the Grassroot Soccer program and their experience at local schools, universities, Rotary/Lion’s Clubs and other such institutions. They will also be expected to submit a formal report evaluating their experience, providing comments and suggestions for improvement. Returning Interns may also be asked to participate in training of future Interns.
For further information, please contact david@grassrootsoccer.org or for specific Internship application documents and instructions, please go to INTERNSHIP APPLICATION.
