VOLUNTEER IN MALAWI, AFRICA
Ripple Africa’s primary focus is conducting projects which help the local communities in Nkhata Bay District, Malawi. However, the charity also runs a volunteer program and welcomes volunteers from around the world. If you have ever considered volunteering in Malawi, read on to learn about our many opportunities.
What makes a good volunteer?
Ripple Africa volunteers are typically:
- Realists not idealists
- Enthusiastic
- Hard-working
- Self-motivated
- Proactive
Volunteers do not replace or take jobs away from local Malawians — they assist them with the various projects the charity runs in the area around Mwaya. Our volunteers are typically 23-years-old and older. As a volunteer abroad, you will be part of the team at Mwaya Beach, and it’s important for you all to get into the spirit of communal living. Volunteers often make life-long friends and return to Mwaya for visits.
Volunteer in Malawi – The Program
Unlike many volunteering operations, our volunteer program is not rigidly structured. Depending on your skills and particular interests, It is really up to you to decide how to best utilize your time and add value to the community.Â
When you first arrive, you are given an orientation by the Volunteer Manager who will show you around the local area, our projects, the schools and medical centers. Our Malawian staff can help guide as you navigate where you will be best suited to help. Often, it takes our volunteers some time to settle into life at Mwaya. You must be prepared to be patient as the pace of life in Malawi is much slower and very different to life at home.
In general, the more you put into your time volunteering in Malawi, the more you will get out of it.
Volunteer in Malawi – The Projects
All of our projects are focused on finding simple, low-cost local solutions to a wide variety of issues faced by the local communities at Mwaya and in the neighboring villages. It is important to know that our volunteers are there to assist with existing projects and not to take away jobs from the local Malawians.
Placement Length
Excited to volunteer in Malawi? We encourage a stay of a minimum of four weeks. However, our average volunteer placement is around three months, which allows volunteers to establish solid relationships within the community and contribute a reasonable amount of time to the projects. In most cases, this allows our volunteer teachers to complete one school term. Although volunteers benefit enormously from their experience with Ripple Africa at Mwaya, it is important to recognize that our main responsibility is to provide consistent and effective assistance to the community.
Volunteer Accommodations
Accommodations consist of some lovely beach chalets (which volunteers share), communal hot and cold showers, and toilets. Fabiana, Martha and Geddess prepare the evening meals and do the clean-up. Maria and Rebecca are responsible for the volunteers’ laundry and bed linens, as well as the cleaning of the restroom facilities. The property is located directly on the beach in a beautiful setting. For more information about Mwaya Beach, please read the Mwaya Beach, Malawi, Africa – Home of Ripple Africa section on the Accommodation and the Area page.
How to Apply
Please read the Application Process page, and then complete the online Inquiry Form if you are interested in volunteering with Ripple Africa.
Want to Visit But Can’t Commit to Our Recommended Placement Duration?
In addition to volunteers, we welcome visitors, too. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the work we do by spending time with our passionate staff and visiting the wide variety of projects we run. For more information, go to the Visit Us in Malawi. If you are interested in going on a safari after your stay with us, we recommend you contact Kiboko Safaris or The Responsible Safari Company for more information.
