Volunteer Teaching English in Malawi
Malawi adopted free primary education in 2004 at the dawn of multiparty democracy in the country. This resulted in many children going to school than it was before. The increased number of school going children resulted in shortage of classes, teaching materials and teachers themselves. Though efforts are being made to deal with this problem, but there is still a lot to be done.
It is because of this that the teacher to pupil ratio in the schools is very large. One teacher takes care of many learners in a class. Volunteer teachers help in reducing this wide gap between the teacher – pupil ratio. The primary schools are mostly affected with some schools having 80 to 90 learners in one class.
Schools in Malawi are under-funded and do not have the resources to employ enough teachers for the large number of children that attend. Any contribution you can make to the schools in terms of volunteer teaching is greatly appreciated.
Volunteers mainly teach English, Geography, Music, Mathematics, Science, Arts & Craft to the children. You could also support other teachers by helping with playing music, singing songs, drawing pictures, and other creative activities that children enjoy. Volunteers are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities with the children. In many cases, volunteers also help develop extracurricular activities for the children.
It is because of this that the teacher to pupil ratio in the schools is very large. One teacher takes care of many learners in a class. Volunteer teachers help in reducing this wide gap between the teacher – pupil ratio. The primary schools are mostly affected with some schools having 80 to 90 learners in one class.
Schools in Malawi are under-funded and do not have the resources to employ enough teachers for the large number of children that attend. Any contribution you can make to the schools in terms of volunteer teaching is greatly appreciated.
Volunteers mainly teach English, Geography, Music, Mathematics, Science, Arts & Craft to the children. You could also support other teachers by helping with playing music, singing songs, drawing pictures, and other creative activities that children enjoy. Volunteers are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities with the children. In many cases, volunteers also help develop extracurricular activities for the children.
| 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. To know more about, Blantyre City, click here |
| What we provide |
Airport Receive/ Transfer: You will be met by our representative at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre.Volunteers can also arrive at Lilongwe International Airport and take a connecting bus to Blantyre from where they will be picked up at the bus station. Orientation: A half day orientation will be provided by the local coordinator in Blantyre. Areas like culture, safety, locations, transportation are covered in the Orientation.After your orientation is over, you will be introduced to your project. Lodging: Volunteer Accommodations are provided with a standard Malawian host family. Malawian families are very happy to host international volunteers. Accommodation is usually shared with another volunteer. Food: Volunteers are provided with 2 meals (Breakfast and Dinner) on weekdays and three meals during the weekends. Malawi’s staple food is Nsima (made from Maize / corn flour). It is taken together with different types of relish like beef, fresh or dried fish, vegetables, beans, and goat meat. Breakfast is mostly Tea or Coffee and bread. Insurance: All participants are covered for full comprehensive travel and medical insurance for their time of stay in our project. To view a copy of the Insurance Coverage provided, please click here Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc. In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country. During your Free Time There are several places within Blantyre and outside that are of tourists interest. Ranging from wildlife reserves to cinemas and concert halls volunteers are not short of places to visit. In Blantyre there is Michiri Mountain Forest Reserve, the National Museum, Cine City Cinema and the French Cultural Centre where one can go to visit. Arrangements are also made to visit some projects in Blantyre like what other orphanages and schools are doing, checking out some townships or even going to some slums in the city. During weekend when the volunteers are not working, there are even more exciting places to visit like the Lake Malawi, Mulanje Mountain, Majete and Mwabvi Game Reserves and one can also watch some sporting activities at the Kamuzu Stadium and other sporting arenas in Blantyre. |
| Fee & Start Date | ||||||||||||||||||
Start Dates Volunteers can begin their project placement on any Monday of the month. Program Costs Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offer you the lowest prices with professional services to volunteer abroad. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference. |
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Program Fee - Malawi Volunteer Program - ( Prices in Pound )
Please note: An application fee of £130 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
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What are you Paying For ? » 24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff » Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information » Airport/Bus Station Pickup » Orientation » Food » Accommodation » Travel & Medical Insurance What's NOT Included ? » Airfare » Visa and Visa extension fee » Airport drop, airport taxes »Local Transportation » Any personal expenses |