YOHO is a vibrant, youth run organization that is dedicated to promoting positive messages related to Sexual and Reproductive Health issues such as HIV/AIDS,  STIs and teenage pregnancy. In addition, the organization works to empower young Batswana to live healthier lifestyles and to deter from some socio-cultural behaviours that are commonly practiced. For example, multiple concurrent partnerships, excessive alcohol consumption and traditional gender roles where the male is the sole member of a romantic relationship making decision as it relates to Sexual and Reproductive Health.

If you are a recent graduate of university and are passionate about health, well-being and youth empowerment then YOHO is a great place to participate in a volunteer internship position. The organization has been accepting interns for nearly ten years, working on various special projects related to programming, finance and administration and IT support. Interns come as volunteers and are subsequently not paid or given a stipend by YOHO. Rather, financial support usually comes from the international organization, who has recruited the intern to come overseas. Such organizations often include the Coady International Institute (a Canadian International Development Agency initiative), the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) or the American Peace Corps.

It is important to note that business is conducted in both English and Setswana, thus, a strong grasp of the English language is preferred for all interested interns. Benefits of selecting to participate in an international internship exchange program include learning in a new cultural context, opportunities to put forth skills that you have acquired in order to build capacity and assist a foreign NGO in their programming and a chance to see a new part of the world and meet many interesting people.

Interested applicants should view the following links to see if they qualify for any of the positions currently providing YOHO with interns and then contact the applicable agency if they meet the selection criteria. Please note that YOHO is also currently working to support internship placements through AESIC so please check back often for updates.

Coady International Institue, Youth In Partnership Program
http://coady.stfx.ca/youth/

World University Service of Canada (WUSC)
www.wusc.ca

American Peace Corps
www.peacecorps.gov

AIESIC
http://www.aiesec.org

Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Tryphinah Majuta Lunga (tomajuta@yoho.org.bw),  Deputy Executive Director at the Youth Health Organization. Tryphinah works closely with all interns and has extensive knowledge when it comes to developing work plans that are consistent with the interns skill set. Both she and the other YOHO staff work hard to make interns feel welcome and to feel like they are contributing within the organization.

So don’t wait! Check out the links above and volunteer abroad – you are certainly guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime!