Internships Details

About the Organization

The G.R.O. Foundation Lesotho is a registered non-profit organization with the government of Lesotho and operates in Leribe district. The organization was initiated by Basotho in response to a distinct lack of initiatives in Leribe supporting locally led, community-based projects addressing the concurrent poverty, education, social and health crises occurring in the district.

Since registration, The G.R.O. Foundation Lesotho has provided each of its projects with financial, technical and logistical support using minimal resources. With a focus on sustainable community models, two of the three projects are microenterprises with proceeds going to support their beneficiaries and projects. Therefore, G.R.O. Lesotho recognizes that small-scale, grassroots projects greatly benefit from skills training, bookkeeping assistance, business guidance and priority setting. As part of its overall philosophy The G.R.O. Foundation Lesotho aims to further strengthen its member’s proficiencies in project management and organizational governance to provide the needed technical assistance to community projects.

The G.R.O. Artisans Collective is a start-up social enterprise project focusing on providing income generating opportunities with embedded social programming for HIV positive mothers. In 2006, six women began making HIV/AIDS awareness ribbons and fashion jewelry and has now expanded both within Lesotho and in North America. G.R.O. Lesotho will support a group of HIV positive women in formalizing their collective within the legal framework of Lesotho, as well as helping their enterprise access local and international markets, providing business and technical training, and establishing a permanent workshop in Leribe.

Job Description

The intern will operate in a hands-on grassroots small business environment under the supervision of the Program Manger and the Collective Coordinator for The G.R.O. Foundation Lesotho. Day-to-day operations occur in a fluid working environment as the intern will engage directly with project and community members to assist G.R.O. Lesotho to continue to expand and enhance the holistic programming model practiced by the established projects.

The intern will be responsible for assisting to complete: a comprehensive report on the development of social enterprise programming in Lesotho, potential markets research and data collection, redesign and implementation of production standardization systems and practices, development of a ‘party pack’ for North American sales and activities, as well as an emphasis on redesign and implementation of wage payment disbursal and organizational structuring.

# of Positions per term

1

Start Dates

Any

Duration of Internship

10 week min, preference for 6 months

Qualifications

Academic Background

Business, trade and marketing

Skills/Experience

Preference will be given to applicants with experience and interest in social enterprises, international trade and commerce, management and empowerment, social development, as well as market analysis and research.

Language Ability

The two national languages of Lesotho are English and Sesotho. A basic level of Sesotho proficiency is helpful, but not necessary.

Other Requirements

All new interns are required to bring their own laptop. Printing, fax, internet and telephone services will be provided to the intern.

Internship Costs

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.

IE₃ Program Fee

The program fee* for the first term of any internship is $2950 - $3150. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

*The program fee noted above reflects the anticipated fee increase that will go into effect for the Fall 2010 term and will apply to all terms thereafter.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
International Travel	$2200
Visa Fees
Recommended Immunizations	$440

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	$100-$200
Food	$300
Local Transportation	$50
Recreation	$100
Personal Expenses	$100

Compensation

$50/month stipend is offered to qualifying applicants

Additional Expense Information

Accommodation can be arranged in homestays or apartments. Homestay costs are estimated at $80/month while apartments are between $100 and $200/month depending on availability of utilities.

Additional Information

Learn more about the G.R.O Foundation on their website at www.grofoundation.org

Lesotho is pronounced luh-SOE-toe.

During the southern hemisphere's fall and winter months (April-September) warm clothing (fleece, down vest, down jacket) is necessary. Lesotho experiences freezing temperatures and there is no central heating.

The GRO Movie - An Introduction to the Work of the Global Relief Outreach Foundation