Volunteer and gap year placements in Malawi
Malawi is a beautiful country bordering Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia. The people are extremely welcoming and although Malawi is not on the tourist map, the Mulanje Mountains and Lake Malawi attract adventure seekers from around the world. Slow economic growth means that almost half of the population lives below the poverty line, so education is greatly valued and our volunteers provide an invaluable service.
Placement locations
Placements are located throughout Malawi, either in rural areas or on the outskirts of small towns.
Is it for me?
If you are interested in really contributing to a community through teaching, then Malawi is for you. In schools you will help students to improve their English skills as well as taking charge of classes teaching core subjects. Some placements involve an element of community outreach work, as you could also teach at a school attached to an orphanage or work with children with disabilities after your core teaching hours end.
Roles explained
Teaching placements in Malawi are either at undertaken at schools or within institutions that support the community. The official language in Malawi is English, however many students speak little or no English on starting school. Volunteers teach a range of subjects such as English, maths, history, geography, drama and sport with limited resources and teaching aids. There is generally a curriculum to follow, from which lesson plans can be developed. Students appreciate the value of education and are very dedicated. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Community-focused teaching placements are within schools attached to orphanages, or for children with hearing impairments or severe disabilities as well as at a local hospital. In addition to teaching a range of subjects, volunteers assist within the institutions and provide extra support and assistance as required.
Conservation placements offer the volunteer a chance to get really stuck in with helping with the environment in areas throughout Malawi. Placements offer a wide variety of activities regarding environment conservation and sustainability
Accommodation and food
Volunteers are allocated a teachers’ house on the school campus or live with a host family. Most accommodation is quite basic with some furniture and a small amount of cooking equipment. Not all accommodation will have electricity or running water, but it will be of the same standard as the houses lived in by the staff. Some food is supplied but volunteers should bear in mind that they are living within poor communities and will probably need to supplement their diet with extra food which they purchase and prepare themselves.
Need to know
Pre-departure: All volunteers will be invited to a group briefing.
On arrival: The majority of volunteers will be collected from the airport (group flights) and attend an orientation.
As part of the orientation volunteers will either undertake a Teaching Skills Course or a Special Training Course (for environmental placements).
Travel
Volunteers have the opportunity to travel during the school holidays and at the end of their placement. Many spend time at Lake Malawi, soaking up the sun or diving, snorkelling, kayaking or sailing in or on its calm waters. Others head off on safari in Liwonde National Park where they can expect to see rhinos, elephants, antelopes, monkeys and possibly big cats. Malawi also has a rich cultural history to explore, from Stone Age rock paintings to colonial architecture. Wherever you go in Malawi, expect to be awed, from the depths of the dramatic Rift Valley to the peaks of Mount Mulanje.
Costs
- Lattitude Global Volunteering fee: £1,990
That works out at just £83 a week!
What’s included?
- In depth matching process to align your skills and interests with a placement that really suits you
- Assigned Volunteer Coordinator to help with all pre-departure support and offer guidance
- Pre-departure briefing
- Airport pickup
- Accommodation & food
- In-country orientation
- In-country support
- 24/7 support
Please note this fee does not include the cost of getting to Malawi or extras such as insurance or any inoculations you may need. For an estimated break down of all costs you may have to budget for please click here
Fundraising
As a charity we always recommend our volunteers fundraise to help meet the costs involved in volunteering overseas. In many ways it is part of the whole experience. For more information and fundraising ideas please click here
Planning your trip
| Placement type | Departure | Application deadline | status |
| Teaching (with Caring) (6 months) |
Aug 2012 | Early June 2012 | Spaces available |
| Teaching (6 months) |
Aug 2012 | 15 May 2012 | Spaces Available |
| Conservation (6 months) |
Aug 2012 | 15 May 2012 | Spaces available |
| Teaching (with Caring) (6 months) |
Jan 2013 | 30 Sept 2012 | Spaces available |
| Teaching (6 months) |
Jan 2013 | 30 Sept 2012 | Spaces available |
| Conservation (6 months) |
Jan 2013 | 30 Sept 2012 | Spaces available |
Please note that the deadline is the last possible time allowed to get an application form in that allows us enough time to match volunteers and begin sorting out visas. We always recommend applying as early as possible in order to secure your place.
We are currently accepting applications for departures up until 2014.
Apply now>>