Info

It is estimated that there are over 1 million orphans in Malawi due to the AIDS pandemic.

Because most of those affected are living in the urban areas, Blantyre has a large number of orphans. It is for this reason that a number of centers have opened to take care of them. Most of these centers are run by the communities and have the support of the elders in those communities. There are some cases where individuals or nonprofit organizations are running some centers with stable funding. But those run by communities are faced with many challenges ranging from shortage of staff (most of whom are on voluntary basis), learning materials, funding and advice.
Volunteers in this program work alongside the existing staff to care for the children in orphanages. The work in a children’s home involves feeding, dressing and keeping the children active within the homes.Volunteers will also be assisting local staff and caretakers in daily work to help them run the orphanage in a better way. You can also assist in the office of the orphanage if you think you can contribute to make them more organized and run in a more efficient manner. Volunteers normally teach the kids, play with them, prepare their daily records, Get involved in preparing their dishes, help in washing their cloth and some administrative work also. They also at time attends meeting on behalf of the orphanage.

Volunteers work for 5-6 hrs daily for 5 days in a week. Weekends are free to travel around different areas in the country.


Program Information
Program Requirements
Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

Project Location
Volunteer Projects are located in and around the city of Blantyre. Blantyre is Malawi’s commercial city and the second largest after the Capital, Lilongwe. The volunteer placements are either located in close proximity to the accommodations or the volunteers use public transportation such as mini buses to travel to the project.

Duration

1 week to 24 weeks

Start Dates

All Year Round

Costs / Benefits

Starting USD 200 / GBP 125