Malawi – Teaching and Sports Facilitation

Landlocked between the East African countries of Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique lies the home of Africa’s warmest people; Malawi. Malawi is a country filled with National Parks and Game Reserves, lush highlands and tropical forests split by the Great Rift Valley and the clear waters of its main attraction – Lake Malawi. This project takes place on the banks of this majestic landmark and with its white shores and sapphire waters could easily be mistaken for a tropical island resort.

Whilst volunteering on this project you will be helping to improve the education of children that are eager to learn and to provide them with the skills needed to better their futures. You will also be involved in leading different sports activities, including football and netball sessions, providing the children of this area with a healthy and positive environment to be active.

You will assist with teaching the core curriculum subjects in one of the local Primary schools, unless you have a lot of teaching experience, in which case you may be able to assist in a Secondary school. Depending on your experience or interest, the subjects you teach may include English, Mathematics, the Sciences, Creative Arts or Health Education.

In the afternoons you will organize and manage recreational sports activities including football and netball training session. Depending on the length of your stay, you may have the opportunity to arrange matches for the children.

School Holidays: In Malawi there are three school terms each year. The longest holidays are during the summer, with shorter breaks around Easter and Christmas.

During the school holidays volunteers are involved with additional classes aimed at keeping children occupied and out of trouble. These are supplemented by activities and lessons organized and motivated by you, with the support of the coordinators and school heads. You may teach Arts and Crafts, Music, Drama, extra – English and Reading, Wildlife and Environment classes as well as coach games and sports.

Please note: There is much less structure to these holiday programs, therefore, you will need to be prepared to work independently in thinking up ways to motivate the children to participate in your activities and be creative and proactive in planning the sessions.

A typical day: Volunteers are expected to work 5 days a week with evenings and weekends free. You will leave the volunteer house at 07.00 each day in order to be at the school for a 07:30 start.

The school day usually finishes between 11.00 and 12.00, where you will have a well-deserved lunch break. Depending on the season and the activity you are taking, you afternoon session will usually start at 14.00, but could start at 15.00 if the weather is very hot. Afternoon activities take place Monday to Thursday and you will return to the volunteer house by about 17.00 each day. Friday afternoon is free, as you may be departing on a weekend excursion.

Internet: Internet is available at the volunteer house on a ‘Pay As You Go’ basis. There is also internet available in Mangochi, which you can easily get to at weekends on local transport.

Laundry: Laundry facilities are not available, but on site staff are happy to do your laundry for a small fee per bundle.

Accommodations: You will stay in a comfortable, shared volunteer house in the Mangochi District. The bedrooms are large shared rooms, with single or bunk beds. Mosquito nets are provided and the rooms either have en-suite facilities, or an adjacent bathroom; all with western style flush toilets and showers.

Food: Three meals a day are provided. Breakfast is self-service and usually consists of toast or pancakes, and tea and coffee. Lunch is usually made up of sandwiches, pasta, soups or salads; or a packed lunch if you are not returning to the house in the middle of the day. A hot dinner will be prepared for you in the evenings.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Minimum age 18
• Police clearance
• Good command of English
• Physical fitness
• Motivation to work with children
• Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic)

Project Orientation (Included):

• The day after your arrival at the project site, you will receive a comprehensive orientation, including:
• An introduction to Malawian culture
• Basic local greetings
• Your health and safety whilst in Malawi
• An introduction to some of the project staff
• Money and transportation in Malawi
• An introduction and background to the teaching project
• Workplace ethics
• Weekend excursions and free time

In the afternoon you will be taken on a tour of the local area and nearest town, including the local market there. This will provide you with the opportunity to buy cheaply priced local material for wrap-around skirts if you need to.

Travel Extras (Not Included):

• Weekends are free and you may spend them as you wish. The project coordinators can help arrange day trips and weekend excursions including the following at an additional cost:
• The nearby village of Cape Maclear has a number of small tourist lodges, offering great snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving and craft stalls.
• Liwonde National Park is a popular safari destination and offer game viewing drives, boat rides on the Shire River, and walking tours.
• Zomba Plateau is a good place for walking and enjoying the views, relaxing in the cooler climate, or horseback riding.
• Other highlights that are a bit further away, which you may like to see in your free time, are some of the other impressive National Parks, Salima or the Mulanje Massif. Alternatively, you may wish to just relax by Lake Malawi.