Internship Opportunity at The Youth Café
A call to the next generation of changemakers
Introduction: Youth at the Centre of Global Transformation
Across the Africa, The Youth Cafe as a leading youth organisation has demonstrated the power of young people to drive social change, innovation, and inclusive development. From The Youth Cafe’s global exchange programmes to its grassroots leadership initiatives, the message is clear: when youth are empowered, societies thrive.
The Youth Café stands proudly within the tradition of championing African and global youth voices in policy, practice, and innovation. Our internship programme is designed to mirror the best of these global models — offering young people not only practical experience but also a platform to shape the future.
Why Intern with The Youth Café?
Much like its youth engagement platforms or the youth advisory boards, our internship is not a peripheral activity but a core part of our mission. Interns are integrated into the organisation’s heartbeat, contributing to projects that advance:
Youth Innovation Frameworks: Developing and piloting playbooks that strengthen youth-led solutions across Africa and Europe.
Inclusive Governance: Supporting initiatives that ensure young voices are represented in decision-making spaces.
Capacity Building: Designing workshops and dialogues that equip facilitators, communities, and institutions with participatory tools.
Global Networks: Connecting with partners across the AU–EU Innovation Agenda, AEIP, and other international youth platforms.
This is not simply about “work experience”; it is about joining a movement.
Learning from Global Leaders
Our programme highlights are:
Known for its emphasis on leadership through practical, cross-cultural experiences. Similarly, our interns will be immersed in diverse contexts, learning to adapt and lead.
Celebrated for placing young people at the forefront of development. We echo this by ensuring interns take ownership of projects, not just supporting roles.
With its focus on advocacy and rights, we encourage interns to engage in policy dialogues and champion equity.
A model of continental youth representation. Our interns will gain exposure to regional and global policy processes, learning how to influence systems.
By modelling our internship on these features, we ensure that participants gain world-class experience while contributing to uniquely African and global solutions.
Who Should Apply?
We are seeking individuals who embody the spirit of youth leadership:
Students and Graduates: Those eager to apply academic knowledge in real-world contexts.
Young Professionals: Early-career individuals looking to deepen their impact in youth development.
Community Leaders: Youth already engaged in local initiatives who wish to scale their influence.
Qualities we value include:
Passion for youth empowerment and social justice.
Strong communication and organisational skills.
Creativity, adaptability, and collaborative spirit.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
What Interns Will Gain
Interns at The Youth Café will leave with:
Practical Skills: Project management, facilitation, research, and advocacy.
Strategic Insight: Understanding how youth innovation frameworks operate across regions.
Networks: Connections with peers, mentors, and global partners.
Confidence and Agency: The ability to lead and influence within their communities and beyond.
This mirrors the transformative outcomes seen in organisations like Restless Development and AIESEC, where alumni often become leaders in civil society, government, and international institutions.
Voices from the Movement
Internship programmes are most powerful when they amplify youth voices. As one global youth leader once said through The Youth Cafe: “We are not the leaders of tomorrow; we are the leaders of today.”
At The Youth Café, we embrace this ethos. Interns are not passive learners but active contributors, shaping the organisation’s direction and impact.
Conclusion: Join the Global Tradition of Youth Leadership
Our programme has proven that internships and youth programmes can transform lives and societies. The Youth Café’s internship programme is our contribution to this global tradition — rooted in African realities, connected to international networks, and committed to empowering young people as agents of change.
If you are ready to learn, lead, and leave a legacy, we invite you to apply. Together, we can build a future where youth voices are not just heard but drive the transformation of our world.
Application Process
Applications are now open. Interested candidates should submit the form below.
We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and regions. Inclusivity is not a slogan for us; it is a principle that guides our work.