Create Impact and Discover Rural Malawi

Details

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  Description

  We are a Local Humanitarian women-centred non-profit organization working on Climate Change adaptation and Mitigation in the rural areas of Malawi, where we have been operating since 2016. Our Head Office is in Chikwawa, Southern Malawi.
  
  With extensive experience in disaster-prone areas,our focus revolves around addreessing variouse intersecting issues within Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation as follows:
  1. Climate Vulnerability and Low Adaptive Capacity in Flood-Prone Communities
  2. Poor Sanitation, Weak Community Systems, and Limited Advocacy Platforms
  3. Chronic Food Insecurity and Limited Economic Opportunities
  4. Weak Health Systems and Limited Access to Integrated Community Health Services
  5. Weak Governance Systems, Protection Gaps, and Safeguarding Risks
  
  Our current projects are:
  Theme: Climate Change, HIV Resilience & Community Empowerment:
  1. EMPOWERMENT OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV (PLHIV)
  (Climate-Smart Livelihoods & Economic Resilience)
  Expanded Key Activities
  1.1 Seasonal Agricultural Support (Main & Winter Cropping)
  • Conduct baseline livelihood and food security assessments for all 4 support groups
  • Procure and distribute climate-resilient farm inputs, including:
  • Drought-tolerant maize seeds
  • Legumes (beans, pigeon peas, groundnuts)
  • Vegetable seeds (for winter production)
  • Organic and inorganic fertilizers
  • Promote crop diversification to reduce climate risks
  • Facilitate winter cropping using irrigation schemes (Shire River / small-scale systems)
  • Provide extension support through lead farmers and field officers
  • Conduct post-harvest management training (storage, processing, value addition)
  Result: Year-round food production and improved nutrition for ART adherence
  1.2 Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) Strengthening
  • Formation of new VSLA groups within each support group
  • Training on:
  • VSLA methodology and governance
  • Savings cycles and share-out systems
  • Record keeping and transparency
  • Introduce digital or simplified financial tracking tools where possible
  • Provide start-up saving kits (cash boxes, record books, passbooks)
  • Link VSLA groups to:
  • Small-scale IGAs (e.g., poultry, vegetable sales, petty trade)
  • Local microfinance institutions (long-term sustainability)
  • Conduct quarterly VSLA performance reviews
  Result: Increased access to capital, reduced vulnerability, and financial independence
  1.3 Climate-Smart Agriculture & Resilience Building
  • Training modules on:
  • Conservation agriculture (minimum tillage, mulching)
  • Water harvesting technologies (swales, ridges, treadle pumps)
  • Integrated farming systems (crop + livestock)
  • Establish 4 group demonstration gardens (1 per support group)
  • Introduce small livestock pass-on schemes (goats, poultry, pigs where possible)
  • Promote agroforestry and tree planting (fruit trees, soil restoration trees)
  • Facilitate farmer field schools and exchange visits
  Result: Increased resilience to droughts, floods, and climate shocks
  
  2. HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE – FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR PLHIV
  Expanded Key Activities
  2.1 Quarterly Emergency Food Distribution
  • Conduct beneficiary verification and targeting with community leaders
  • Distribute food packages every quarter (4 cycles/year)
  • Ensure nutrition-sensitive targeting (pregnant women, undernourished clients)
  • Maintain distribution registers and accountability systems
  • Integrate health talks during distribution days
  Enhancement: Introduce community-based targeting committees to improve transparency
  2.2 Online Fundraising & Resource Mobilization
  • Develop a digital fundraising strategy and calendar
  • Produce:
  • Short impact videos
  • Beneficiary stories (before/after)
  • Photo documentation
  • Engage international volunteers in:
  • Social media campaigns
  • Grant writing support
  • Crowdfunding initiatives (e.g., GoFundMe-style platforms)
  • Strengthen DIN online presence (Facebook page, website updates)
  Result: Diversified funding streams and increased global visibility
  2.3 Nutrition Education & Behaviour Change
  • Conduct monthly nutrition sessions at support group level
  • Demonstrate:
  • Balanced diets using locally available foods
  • Food preparation for PLHIV
  • Promote kitchen gardens at household level
  • Integrate nutrition messaging into ART adherence sessions
  Result: Improved dietary diversity and treatment outcomes
  
  3. CHILDREN’S CORNER – PROTECTION, PLAY & MENTAL HEALTH
  Expanded Key Activities
  3.1 Revamping & Operationalization of Children’s Corners
  • Rehabilitate existing structures and create child-friendly safe spaces
  • Procure:
  • Play materials (balls, ropes, board games)
  • Learning materials (books, drawing kits)
  • Develop a weekly activity schedule for children
  3.2 Child Protection & Community Safeguarding Systems
  • Train community child protection committees
  • Conduct awareness campaigns on:
  • Child abuse
  • Early marriages
  • Child labour
  • Strengthen referral pathways to social welfare and police
  3.3 Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
  • Train facilitators in basic psychosocial support skills
  • Conduct:
  • Structured play therapy sessions
  • Group counselling sessions
  • Establish referral linkages with health facilities for complex cases
  3.4 Life Skills, Hygiene & Climate Awareness
  • Conduct sessions on:
  • Hygiene and sanitation practices
  • Climate change awareness (child-friendly approaches)
  • HIV stigma reduction and inclusion
  • Introduce school support initiatives (basic learning reinforcement)
  Result: Holistic development and protection of vulnerable children
  
  3. EARLY CHILD HOOD EDUCATIN IN PRE-SCHOOLS
  We offer a number of volunteer opportunities where you can lend a helping hand to the community and learn about the inner workings of a grassroots NGO.
  
  4. VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT & CAPACITY STRENGTHERNING (OFFICE-BASED SUPPORT)
  To enhance organizational efficiency, visibility, and resource mobilization, the program will actively engage both local and international volunteers to support office-based functions. These volunteers will contribute technical skills, innovation, and global perspectives to strengthen the operations.
  Key Activities:
  • Online Fundraising Campaigns:
  Volunteers will support the design and implementation of digital fundraising initiatives, including crowdfunding campaigns, donor outreach strategies, and content creation for fundraising appeals.
  • Social Media Management & Digital Presence:
  Volunteers will assist in updating and managing social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram), creating engaging content, sharing success stories, and promoting program activities to increase visibility and stakeholder engagement.
  • Grant Proposal Development & Editing:
  Skilled volunteers will help in drafting, reviewing, and editing grant proposals to improve quality, alignment with donor priorities, and success rates in securing funding.
  • Documentation & Reporting Support:
  Volunteers will assist in compiling reports, success stories, case studies, and newsletters to showcase program impact and support donor communication.
  • Website & Digital Content Development:
  Volunteers with IT and digital marketing skills will support website updates, blog writing, and optimization of online platforms to reflect current activities and achievements.
  • Administrative & Coordination Support:
  Volunteers will help with general office tasks such as data entry, filing, scheduling meetings, and coordinating communications with stakeholders.
  • Capacity Building & Skills Transfer:
  Volunteers will conduct mini-trainings or mentorship sessions for staff on areas such as digital marketing, proposal writing, and communication strategies to ensure sustainability.
  
  Volunteer with us and you will have an unforgettable experience while making a difference in the lives of Malawians in need. While staying with us in the “Warm Heart of Africa” you will also get to experience traditional Malawian life and immerse yourself in the HIV & AIDs.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Elderly Companionship

  Teaching

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Babysitting and creative play

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Cycling
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  It will be an unforgettable experience - you will get to engage in Malawian life, learn more about our culture, share your knowledge and get to know and learn from the locals. You will also have a chance to make a difference in the lives of some of the poorest people in Malawi. Volunteering can be a great way to build confidence, develop personally, learn new skills or even just develop old ones.

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  Registered charity

  This host is a registered charity in their country and is looking for volunteers to help with their project(s).

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  The Lower Shire, where we are based, is one of the poorest regions in Malawi and there are many areas in which volunteers are needed. Let us know what your interests and skills are and we will build a volunteer program for you through our own programs or through programs of local affiliates such as schools, youth clubs or HIV support groups whom we regularly work with.
  
  Volunteers can offer their help as a teacher and assist in a Pre-school. Your input will be a great help and much appreciated as schools are often under staffed and lack resources. Experienced teachers are particularly welcome.
  
  You can assist program staff with training and awareness activities on issues such as: water, sanitation, hygiene, sexual health, HIV/AIDS, gender equality, child marriage prevention and youth development. Availability of this work will depend on which groups are active at the time and will be tailored to fit the specific needs of the group.
  
  Volunteers can work with our farm clubs to provide training in improved farming techniques and compost making as well as business and marketing. You will have the chance to experience what life is like for subsistence farmers in Malawi.
  
  As a small NGO, we are always in need of an extra pair of hands in the office. In addition to working in the field, a large part of running an NGO is spent at the office. If volunteers are skilled and interested in volunteering at the office, they can help with writing and editing proposals, research, carrying out fundraising activities, assisting with online marketing, updating social media and website design in addition to their field volunteering tasks. Skilled photographers or film makers can also contribute by making promotional materials for our local NGO.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Chichewa, Chewa, Nyanja: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  Our varnacularlanguage is Chichewa,it is very interesting. For example,mwadzuka bwanji means good morning.
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  Accommodation

  Volunteers will stay with a host family which is a great opportunity to experience the unique culture of Malawi. When staying with a host, we will ensure you are safe and well looked after. Your food will be prepared by the family and you will receive three meals a day. Chikwawa is one of the poorest regions in Malawi and many people struggle to feed their families so we ask volunteers to pay $9 a day towards their food as we want to ensure you are well fed.

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  What else ...

  If you would like to explore other parts of Malawi while you are here, there are a variety of things to do on your time off. Majete Wildlife Reserve and Lengwe National Park are both easily accessible from Chikwawa - wildlife viewing can be done from a game viewing vehicle or on a bushwalk for the more adventurous. You can climb Mount Mulanje the highest mountain in Malawi (over 3000m) or go hiking in the Zomba plateau. You can visit Lake Malawi - relax by the lake, go kayaking or snorkelling! Or you can stay in Chikwawa where you can experience village life and culture, enjoy Malawian music, dance and learn some traditional cooking.
  
  Most international flights go to Lilongwe International Airport. However, it is also possible to fly to Chileka International Airport, near Blantyre, our nearest city. From Lilongwe you can get an executive coach to Blantyre, which takes approximately four hours. Whether you fly into Lilongwe or Chileka, a member of our staff will meet you in Blantyre and escort you to Chikwawa, using the local mini-buses.
  
  Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own visas for Malawi, travel insurance and travel vaccinations. We recommend that volunteers take malaria tablets while here as Chikwawa is a malaria region; these should be attained before your visit.
  
  Please bring culturally appropriate clothes (women should wear dresses, skirts or trousers below the knee) and clothes with light material, as it does get very hot in Chikwawa.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets
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  This host charges a fee

  read more

  Why does Workaway allow some hosts to charge a fee?

  
  

  Workaway provides opportunities for non-monetary cultural exchanges where hosts provide food and accommodation in return for help from Workawayers. In some exceptional cases, a small fee/ donation request (typically no more than 5 dollars per day) may be approved for hosts such as registered charities with a history of positive volunteer feedback. Any fee must directly go to the charity and can only be used to cover the volunteers' food costs. This will be clearly marked on the host's listing.
  

  Listings by agents, "middle-men" or projects that appear to profit from a volunteer's stay are strictly prohibited. Any fees must be discussed and approved in advance by the Workaway team.

  9 USD/day to cover food cost

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