25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.
See more at onetreeplanted.org
Overview
Learning about the culture and lifestyle is one of the most important aspects of travelling. Knowing how to interact with locals, understanding the do’s and don’ts will help you fully appreciate your new surroundings.
Our Malawi Culture week aims to prepare you well for this!
During the program, you will learn all the basics of Malawi’s local culture and history, explore the location and new surroundings, learn how to cook Malawian food, take part in the sightseeing, and more. It goes without saying that you will also get the chance to meet other participants like yourself and make new friends!
By the end of this program we believe you will have more respect and confidence as a guest of Malawi.
Objectives
- Increase your knowledge of local customs, food and history
- Prepare you for a longer stay in Malawi
- Teach you helpful phrases and basic language elements to assist your interactions
Impact
Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.
1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.
See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org
Location
Mangochi, Malawi
Mangochi is coastal town sited between Lakes Malawi and Malombe. Previously called Fort Johnston during colonial times, it is known as a lake town with a lot of water and fishing activities. Although a small township with a population of 50,000, necessities are nearby to assist you during your stay. It is also full of culture and history and it’s always interesting to walk through the small town.
Itinerary
Saturday/Sunday - Arrival
Arrive at Lilongwe International Airport (LLW) on Saturday or Sunday well before a meeting point time.
- Option A - Saturday: 10:00
- Option B - Saturday: 14:00
- Option A - Sunday: 10:00
- Option B - Sunday: 14:00
Saturday arrivals need to book one extra night at our accommodation.
Monday
- Breakfast
- Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
- Malawian Do's and Don'ts, Culture introduction and country history and Chewa Language Lessons.
- Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
- Lunch
- Visit to a local market in Mangochi.
- Visit to the river in Mangochi.
Tuesday
- Breakfast
- Visit Mangochi town, museum and monuments
- Lunch outside
- Visit the cultural village
- Dinner
Wednesday
- Breakfast
- Visit Lake Malawi’s national park and the option to go swimming
- Lunch outside
- Relaxing beside the beach
- Back to center
- Cooking class
- Dinner with food from the cooking class!
Thursday
- Breakfast
- Visit Liwonde National park
- Lunch outside
- More sightseeing around the national park
- Back to center
- Dinner
Friday
- Breakfast
- Bracelet handicraft lesson
- Lunch
- Team meeting regarding your placements, a visit to the ongoing programs.
- Evaluation for the week
- Dinner
Saturday - Departure
Leave the accommodation Saturday morning. Minivans to Lilongwe depart close by every 1-2 hours. Take a taxi from bus station to the Airport (6 hours travel time)
Inclusions
- Shared Accomodation
- All meals included
- Free beverages
- Wifi in public areas
- Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
- Departure Transfer
Options
More Information
Requirements
- minimum english levelBasic
- CRB RequiredOn signup
- passport copy requiredNo
- resume copy requiredNo
Other Requirements
- There are no further requirements for this program.
Food
Malawian food will served mainly, along with some European food. You can expect meat, vegetables, potatoes, eggs, bread, rice spaghetti and more.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in our center. It is quite basic and you will share your room with other participants. There are shared western style, flushable toilets.
There are limited laundry facilities so expect to wash your clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. You will be expected to clean up yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and organized.
