Volunteer Role
As a volunteer on this project you will work in one of the local schools, where you will be teaching core subjects to children of all different ages and levels. There will be local members of staff in the class with you, the class size in normally up to 200 students, so it is advisable that the class is split between you and your fellow volunteers so there is the opportunity for closer one to one interaction.
The main subject that you will teach will be English, then Maths. You may get involved in other academic subjects though this will depend on what the teacher is teaching at the time. If you are creative you can plan your own lessons to incorporate pretty much anything.
Extra-curricular activities
In the afternoon, after your school teaching session and after a well-deserved lunch break, you will be involved in extra-curricular activities with the children, such as teaching additional lessons or teaching sports.
You will ideally go back around three afternoons per week to do additional lessons with the children. We recommend that you try and identify those children who would benefit from extra help to take part in the additional afternoon lessons. You will be able to use the library and the classrooms during this time.
You can also teach additional lessons such as sports if you wish. Football is by far the most popular sport in Malawi, as in much of Africa and netball is also played by many of the girls; with the schools having teams for both sports. Other sports, such as volleyball, rounders and badminton are also offered on an informal basis, due to a lack of equipment and knowledge of these sports.
The schools also run wildlife and conservation clubs, where pupils learn about conservation and how to preserve and protect the wildlife of Malawi. This occasionally includes educational visits to National Parks and game reserves where the children gain an insight into the importance of Malawi’s natural areas, though this work could certainly be instigated and further developed by you.
Please note: As a volunteer you will need to be creative and proactive to get involved in the extra activities- the school is really in need of your help and with a bit of initiative and determination, many of the extra activities can be carried out.
What’s Included in the Programme
- Project Fee: this entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as building materials, equipment, supplies, foodstuffs, etc
- Airport transfer to and from Lilongwe International Airport
- Orientation on arrival
- All accommodation during your stay at shared volunteer house
- Full support and assistance from your co-ordinator throughout your time in Malawi
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- 24-hour support number and contact for emergencies.
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement, which should include cover for repatriation
- All flights
- Any transfer fees, if arriving/departing outside of the set dates: US$175
- All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
- E-mail/Internet and telephone calls
- Soft drinks, beer, wines and spirits
- Visas
- Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Malawi
Prices and Durations
Malawi Teaching Volunteers - 4 weeks $1,835
Malawi Teaching Volunteers - 6 weeks $2,399
Malawi Teaching Volunteers - 8 weeks $3,039
Malawi Teaching Volunteers - 12 weeks $4,319
