Global Village – Malawi
Volunteer alongside vulnerable families in Malawi working to improve the place that they call home.
Inquire online Volunteer Abroad
Why volunteer in Malawi?
More than half, 58.9%, of the 4.8 million housing units in Malawi are substandard homes. Typically these houses are made of mud walls and grass thatched roofs. To meet current housing demand, an estimated 21,000 new units will need to be constructed annually over the next 10 years.
Anchored by the conviction that safe and affordable housing provides a path out of poverty, Habitat for Humanity Malawi has helped over 75,000 families access decent housing. We work with vulnerable groups to build or improve the place they call home, improve water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, help families recover and rebuild following disasters, and provide informal vocational training.
What will you do?
Whilst you are in Malawi, you can expect early starts so that work can begin before the sun is at its highest point. You will build alongside the local community, local volunteers and the homeowners themselves.
On site you could be fitting insulation, cutting down materials, digging and laying foundations, laying flooring, plastering new walls and more. Do not worry if you have no building experience. Full guidance will be provided during orientation, and you will be assisted by experienced masons and a Team Leader throughout the build.
General itinerary
Liable to change based on individual builds:
Day 1 (usually Saturday): Arrive in country and transfer to accommodation
Day 2 (Sunday): Community activities, learning and volunteering on site
Days 3-7 (Monday-Friday): Volunteering on site and social learning exchange
Day 8 (Saturday): House dedication ceremony, farewell dinner and departures
Remember to be flexible. Our itineraries can be changed to fit in with project needs at any time.
Further information
Safeguarding
All Habitat for Humanity entities that host international volunteers go through a rigorous vetting process every year to ensure that they are meeting all required health, safety and security standards as set by Habitat for Humanity International. This includes ensuring that the hotel is safe and secure, catering and restaurants meet hygiene standards, and that the situation on the ground is conducive to volunteers being able to perform their tasks in a safe environment.
Our Team Leaders are trained to constantly assess risks both on and off the build site. They are also fully trained in how to seek assistance if the situation on the ground changes over the course of the build. Medical and evacuation insurance is provided for volunteers in the case of injury, illness, or the need to leave the area or country due to factors outside Habitat for Humanity’s control.
Fundraising
Fundraising is as easy as telling your friends, family and co-workers about why you build with Habitat for Humanity. They may even ask to join the team. We set you up with a team page that you can connect to and build your own individual fundraising pages from. When you register, you will receive a link to the fundraising team page so you can get set up.
Accommodation
You will stay in accommodation near the volunteering site, which allows us to boost local jobs too.
Medical
We are not medical professionals, so before you travel please consult your GP or a travel clinic about the risks associated with your destination and what vaccinations you will need.
Insurance
All volunteers will be covered for emergency medical care in country through our insurance policy. The coverage period is for the build dates only and cannot be extended for personal travel. Please note that this is emergency medical and evacuation insurance only and does not cover personal items or flights, so it is worth considering supplemental travel insurance.
Meet the team
Coordinator: From the moment you sign up to the time you arrive back home, a member of the Habitat for Humanity Great Britain team will be on hand to support you.
Team Leader: Your Team Leader will be in country with you, supporting you before, during and after the build, so please send them any questions that you have.
In-country team: The staff in country will look after you during your time there alongside your Team Leader, making sure things run smoothly and that you have clear aims for each day.
Thinking about joining a Global Village build in Malawi?
Get in touch and we will talk you through upcoming dates, fundraising targets and what to expect on site.