Malawi community project
| country: | Malawi |
| departures: | Departures can be arranged at any time to suit you |
| price: | From £1630 (2 weeks) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Malawi community project
Malawi, one of the most stunning countries on the continent of Africa, is located in between Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique. The countries population consists of around 13 million people, and is one of the poorest regions in the world. Around 85% of the population is rural, largely living in traditional villages.
Volunteers are accommodated on the stunning Kuti Reserve in converted cottages. The individual cottages consist of 2 bedrooms with communal bathroom and living area, and are based on 2 people sharing. You can also stay in A framed cottages which are based on two / three people sharing a room. There is a shower and toilet located nearby.
Conservation:
The conservation project is made up of long term and short term projects. We cannot guarantee that you will be involved in every project but here is a few of the projects that you may be involved in - Environment and wetland rehabilitation ID of game/herds/families Education on the principles of crop diversification including vegetable production, fruit production, livestock and fish production Species identification, grazers, bird migration Erosion control Removal of wire and rubbish Infrastructure maintenance Building and developing of model agricultural plots for training and education within communities Building of basic and cost effective irrigation methods Introducing the principles of organic farming.
Community:
Part of the community experience is visiting the local community and experiencing their culture. You also visit the local schools, orphanage and businesses. You will get the chance to teach the people new skills help them build a better life for themselves. The activities can include - Educating in the principles of personal financial responsibility, and basic concepts of book keeping Assisting in the design of basic business plans Working alongside already established businesses and assisting in improvements such as sales and marketing, stock controls, control systems and other business concepts. Working together with individuals to help them to start and establish their own business. Youth work Sports coaching Entertainment through theatre, dance and music Teaching visual arts and crafts skills Training of local social workers and volunteers AIDS awareness and life skills training within schools
Sports:
The sport is important to get the communities together to learn how to work together to develop in other areas, this also provides the communities with positive and healthy forms of recreation. You may be involved in - Basic sports and hand eye coordination Soccer, netball or volley ball training As well as general games and sports of your own interest
Working hours 8 - 4.30 with hours break for lunch. 2 days off per week but these may be during the week in some cases e.g. the "caterer, visitors’ co-coordinator" position is busier over the weekend as this is the time when they have visitors. Days off to be agreed with Site Manager.
Volunteers are accommodated on the stunning Kuti Reserve in converted cottages. The individual cottages consist of 2 bedrooms with communal bathroom and living area, and are based on 2 people sharing. You can also stay in A framed cottages which are based on two / three people sharing a room. There is a shower and toilet located nearby.
the project
The project is split into 3 main areas of concern and individual volunteers will find their own area of interest where they feel they can best contribute. Support from our onsite coordinators will always be available to guide you through your placement: Conservation:
The conservation project is made up of long term and short term projects. We cannot guarantee that you will be involved in every project but here is a few of the projects that you may be involved in - Community:
Part of the community experience is visiting the local community and experiencing their culture. You also visit the local schools, orphanage and businesses. You will get the chance to teach the people new skills help them build a better life for themselves. The activities can include - Sports:
The sport is important to get the communities together to learn how to work together to develop in other areas, this also provides the communities with positive and healthy forms of recreation. You may be involved in -
a day in a life of a volunteer
We offer a flexible and rewarding system whereby each individual volunteer can focus on as many or as few projects as they want, therefore there is no ‘typical’ day. Activities are also dependent on what is needed on any particular day.Working hours 8 - 4.30 with hours break for lunch. 2 days off per week but these may be during the week in some cases e.g. the "caterer, visitors’ co-coordinator" position is busier over the weekend as this is the time when they have visitors. Days off to be agreed with Site Manager.
volunteer travel - what's it all about?
Are you looking for an adventurous trip with a purpose, or on a gap year or career break? If you want to make a difference in some of the world’s most important conservation areas - and in community projects - then volunteer trips are for you! Volunteers tend to have a sense of adventure, and come from a range of different backgrounds and from all over the world. Edward Abbey said 'sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul'.
how this holiday makes a difference
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We offer a complete programme focusing on different areas of concern, and upon arrival you can choose to focus on a particular area you are interested or skilled in. Volunteers impact on the local community and environment, and all areas of volunteering aim to make a sustainable difference in the life of the local community and the surrounding environment. For example, through establishing eco-tourism projects, the community will be provided with a sustainable source of income.
50% of all takings goes back into the surrounding community. As more business is generated this will increase to 90%. Kuti is run by a “volunteer’ trust committee, therefore no profits are paid out and it all goes back into the local villages. The money gained at Kuti is used to develop local economic development and improve the conservation of the area, ie fixing fences and breeding programs etc. The operator, on-site leaders and accommodation is all locally owned, and the accommodation was even built by the local community. All food is purchased locally and there is minimal electricity and a generator is used for only certain hours of the day. The rest is paraffin lamps and bicycles are provided for transport into the surround projects. We aim to provide our team players with the support, infrastructure and the opportunity to personally impact on Africa’s social challenges. We are committed to providing a “rewarding” experience to team players, the community and environment. You will get the opportunity to experience the breath-taking wildlife and scenery on offer. We are committed to offering a flexible program to our team players, and believe that the most valuable contribution to communities and the environment is your personal initiative and your unique ability to make a difference. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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