To volunteer in the African country of Malawi is to take part in a very rewarding and worthwhile experience. It is a poor country: more than half of Malawi’s population of 12 million people subsist on less than US$1 a day. In conjunction with our partner NGO in Malawi, Love Volunteers aim to make a difference here – especially in the lives of Malawi's deprived and neglected children. To this end, volunteer projects are held in Blantyre City, Lilongwe and Msema village in Malawi’s Phalombe district.

In Malawi, volunteer programs include working in orphanages, teaching in primary and secondary schools, and working as a medical volunteer in local hospitals and clinics. Few people can be unmoved by the experience of visiting one of Africa’s most under-developed countries. The challenges of volunteering in Malawi make it all the more rewarding, your actions will serve a real purpose and have a useful impact. Volunteers can also find hope in the realisation that they can play a useful role and make a big difference in a short time despite the overwhelming deprivation.

Malawi lies in the southern part of the continent. A narrow landlocked country, it is flanked by Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia and is one of the world’s most under-developed nations. Tobacco-growing is a major industry. Nevertheless, serious economic and environmental problems exist here, in addition to the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

To find out more about Malawi grab Lonely Planet's Malawi Guide.

Malawi volunteer

Start and Duration

Volunteers in Malawi can elect to lend their services in Malawi over a short or longer term. Volunteers can start on any day of the year. Programs are very flexible, but we recommend a minimum of two weeks, as this is also the minimum in terms of the program fees that will be charged.

Volunteer Requirements

Love Volunteers' programs in Malawi are open to individuals, couples and groups from all walks of life; backpackers, families, university or church groups.

The minimum age is 18, although in exceptional cases, younger volunteers in Malawi can be enrolled if they are accompanied by a parent of guardian. A good command of English is also required to ensure you get the most out of this placement. Apply Now!

Project Descriptions for Malawi

Program Costs

Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation and is one of the most affordable ways to help out in a developing country while being immersed in the local culture.

Fees for volunteer programs in Malawi start at US$400 (€305) for two weeks, which includes accommodation, food, an airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.

Other volunteers periods available. Please, contact LoveVolunteers for pricing of other periods.

A Love Volunteers registration fee of US$235 (approximately €170) is charged in addition to the program fees and covers any placements you undertake for twelve months from the start of your first placement. The fee is refundable if you choose not to volunteer more than three months prior to the start of your initial placement. This fee ensures 24/7 pre- and post-placement support from Love Volunteers, checking and vetting of local organisations, a comprehensive information pack, as well as administration and marketing costs. Given Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation we also ask volunteers to cover any bank charges incurred by international money transfers.

Food and Accommodation

Volunteers in Malawi stay with host families, and often several volunteers in Malawi stay in one home. This makes for a very convivial stay and offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the day-to-day life of typical inhabitants of the country.

The opportunity to eat with the host family means enjoying typical cuisine cooked at home. Your hosts are likely to appreciate sampling national dishes of their volunteers country.

Malawi hospitality is well renowned and the visitor is likely to be plied with food based on locally available ingredients, not least the staple corn-based porridge known as nsima. Ndiwo uses the same mixture but is shaped into patties. This is eaten with meat, beans or vegetables. Onions and tomatoes form the basis for the sauce in which meat is most often cooked, which is done on a wood fire. Three stones form the tripod on which the cooking pot rests. As a farming nation, Malawi has a plentiful supply of vegetables, meat, eggs and fresh fruit.

Orientation

The format of the orientation depends on your arrival time. Most volunteers in Malawi tend to arrive in the evening. In this case, the orientation begins the following day with a talk at the volunteer house or local restaurant about the country, security, transport, the project and local health issues.

You will be taken to the local town and shown around places of interest such a supermarkets, internet cafes and restaurants. You are also given time to change money, buy bottled water, snacks etc. If time allows, you will be taken to the project and have project orientation the same day.

If you arrive in the morning, you may have orientation later that day, if you are not too tired.

A Typical Week

The structure of the week varies for different projects, but we aim to be flexible. Provided some notice is given, we will try to accommodate your plans. That said, a typical week volunteering in Malawi looks something like this:

Weekdays: At about 7.30am you'll have breakfast with your host family. At 8-8.30am you'll make your way to the project to start at about 9am. Here you'll meet local staff who will start you on the tasks for the day. You'll get breaks throughout the day and finish between 3pm and 5pm.

In the afternoon you are free to socialize or perhaps take a trip to the shops or visit a cafe or restaurant. Alternatively, you can continue helping out on your project.

Weekends: Volunteering in Malawi during the weekends is possible or you may visit orphanages where the children will be delighted to be entertained. Otherwise, this is your time to relax, perhaps just chilling at home or you could arrange to explore the local town or travel further afield. Extended weekends can be arranged to allow for safari trips, but remember our local team need plenty of notice.

About the Country

Formerly Nyasaland, Malawi gained independence in 1964. The country is known for its enchanting combination of landscapes, its friendly locals, and of course Malawi Lake. To the south of the lake is Liwonde National Park, where snorkelling and diving can be enjoyed. Forming a freshwater inland sea, Lake Malawi is backed by steep mountain slopes and edged by perfect beaches. Visiting the lake and enjoying its cool breezes is a must when staying in the country.

Equally inviting is the incredibly steep Mount Mulanje which stretches upwards into a misty haze and offers hiking trails. Hikers may also like Nyika National Park.

Blantyre is Malawi’s capital and hosts some international restaurants and a few welcoming bars. The quieter town of Lilonge has an impressive Old Town which hosts a market, craft stalls, and cafés.

Apply now! Or check out the FAQ or contact page for more information.