Volunteering in Malawi - your assignment with COFO in Chikwawa
- "After my time in Chikwawa, I understand why Malawi is called the warm heart of Africa. I had the valuable experience of being welcomed into a new culture in a very open and friendly way." - Laura, volunteer with Community Focus
Embark on a special journey: As a volunteer in Malawi, you will support our partner organization Community Focus (COFO) in Chikwawa - in the rural south of the country. COFO is a young, dynamic organization that works to improve living conditions in the areas of education, health, agriculture and entrepreneurship .
As a volunteer at COFO, you will be an active part of a dedicated team. You will help shape everyday life in the projects and can contribute your strengths where they have the greatest impact - be it in the classroom, at health training sessions or at sporting events for young people.
Volunteer Laura teaches a 7th grade class.
What you can expect - your tasks as a volunteer:
Education that works - "Teaching at the Right Level": COFO's innovative "Teaching at the Right Level" approach improves the educational opportunities of many children. Instead of being taught according to rigid class levels, children learn in groups that correspond to their actual learning level. Progress is reviewed and reclassified every three months.
As a volunteer, you will support the teachers - e.g. at Mantchombe Primary School, which was the first in the region to implement this approach - and help in the reading club or with homework supervision.
Health promotion and prevention: Whether visiting HIV/AIDS sufferers, providing education on sexual and reproductive health or on topics relating to hygiene and basic medical care - your commitment can have a positive impact on the lives of many people.
Work with children and young people: Support in kindergarten or helping to organize sports activities for young people.
Sustainable agriculture and public relations: You can also help out in COFO's agricultural projects or support the important public relations work, e.g. by: Photos and videos of project work, creating content for social media or COFO's website and conducting interviews with project participants.
Requirements for your volunteer work in Malawi:
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Good knowledge of English (Level B)
- Interest in Malawian culture and way of life
- Enjoy working with children, young people and adults
- Openness, reliability and team spirit
- Willingness to comply with our child protection policy
- Curriculum vitae and letter of motivation
- Extended police clearance certificate
- Consent to the declarations of liability of ora Kinderhilfe
Surroundings of Chikwawa.
Volunteer Laura with some teachers from Mantchombe Primary School in Chikwawa.
Your time in Malawi - how your stay works
Best period of employment: all year round (depending on school vacations)
Duration of assignment: from 3 weeks
After your arrival at Blantyre , you will be warmly welcomed by a COFO team member and taken to your host family . You will have your own room for the duration of your volunteer placement and will eat all meals together with your host family. You will have access to typical local sanitary facilities.
In the first few days, you will take part inorientation training at , get to know the team and gain an insight into all projects. You can then decide for yourself which areas you would like to get involved in - according to your interests and strengths.
On free days and weekends, you can explore the sights of Malawi and, for example, climb Mount Mulanje, spend a weekend at Lake Malawi, go on safari in one of the nearby wildlife reserves or explore Blantyre.
Costs
You can volunteer at cost price.
Price example:
from € 250 for three weeks
Included:
- Accommodation with a host family
- three meals a day
- Airport transfer on arrival and departure
- Processing fee
We support you - before, during and after your assignment:
- Personal contact person in Germany and Malawi
- Support with the organization on site
- Preparation workshop before departure
- Orientation training in Malawi
- Information on visa, health, safety and travel
- Confirmation of your participation and opportunity for feedback
- Access to the alumni network
Make a difference - with your commitment in Malawi!
Whether for a few weeks or several months - your involvement with Community Focus will be a unique experience. At the same time, you will grow yourself, gain new perspectives and become part of a community that makes change possible.
Are you ready?
Then apply now - we look forward to hearing from you!