Malawi

Otherwise known as ‘The Warm Heart of Africa’, Malawi is a great volunteering destination with beautiful scenery, rich culture and some of the world’s friendliest people.

This country’s vivid geographical diversity is captivating. In addition to Africa’s third-largest lake, known as the ‘Lake of Stars’, Malawi boasts breath-taking snorkelling locations, white sandy beaches and tranquil bays.

There is much more to Malawi, however, than its inspiring scenery. Its people are known as the friendliest in the world and are warmly welcoming. It is, however, also one of the lowest income countries in Africa. Our placements are carefully selected with local partners to ensure that you make a real and lasting positive impact. In return, you will be greeted with open arms and forge meaningful connections within the community.

Placement Types

Immersive Placement

Spend 10–12 months living and volunteering in Malawi and truly become part of your host community. With time to build lasting relationships, develop your skills and explore the country, this is an experience centred around meaningful contribution, connection and personal growth.

Focused Placement

Spend 6–8 months volunteering in Malawi, giving you plenty of time to settle into your placement, build relationships and immerse yourself in everyday life. You’ll make a meaningful contribution while still having opportunities to explore everything Malawi has to offer.

Discovery Placement

Discover international volunteering in Malawi over 3–4 months. Experience everyday life in another culture, contribute to your host community and challenge yourself to build new skills and confidence somewhere completely new.

Find out more about our Placement Types here

What can you do?

Primary & Secondary Teaching

Support students from nursery through to secondary school, helping to deliver engaging lessons and educational activities. Beyond the classroom, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, sports and wider school life.

Youth Development & Social Care

Support children and young people outside the formal classroom environment through activities, play, sport and everyday routines. You’ll build relationships with the young people you work alongside, helping to create engaging and supportive spaces where they can learn, develop and grow.

Find out more about Project Types here

What does life as a Volunteer look like?

FOOD

A staple of Malawian cuisine is Nsima, usually served alongside vegetables, beans, meat or fish. As a Volunteer, you’ll generally self-cater, shopping at local markets and supermarkets and learning to cook with the ingredients available locally. Vegetarian diets can also be accommodated.

Colorful market scene in Ilorin, Nigeria with vibrant produce and local life.

Living

You’ll live independently, either on your project site or nearby. Depending on your placement, you may have your own room or share accommodation with your Volunteer partner, giving you the experience of managing everyday life within your local community.

TRAVEL

From hiking Mount Mulanje and exploring the tea-growing regions to relaxing on the shores of Lake Malawi, there is plenty to discover during your time off. Malawi’s size also makes it possible to experience very different landscapes and parts of the country during your placement.

Interested in Volunteering in Malawi?

Apply Now

A Timeline of your Placement

Towards the beginning of July you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
Your Visas for travel will be obtained in August, along with any other final preparations.
Departure time! You will depart with your country group in the first few weeks of September
You’ll return from your placement towards the end of July
Our Debriefing course is held in August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.

Towards the beginning of December you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
Your Visas for travel will be obtained in December, along with any other final preparations.
Departure time! You will depart with your country group in the first few weeks of January
You’ll return from your placement towards the end of July
Our Debriefing course is held in August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.

Summer Departure

Towards the beginning of July you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
Your Visas for travel will be obtained in August, along with any other final preparations.
Departure time! You will depart with your country group in the first few weeks of September
You’ll return from your placement towards the end of December.
Our Debriefing course is held in August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.

Winter Departure

Towards the beginning of December you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
Your Visas for travel will be obtained in December, along with any other final preparations.
Departure time! You will depart with your country group in the first few weeks of January
You’ll return from your placement towards the end of April.
Our Debriefing course is held in August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.