Have you made any plans for the summer yet? Would you be interested in travel to Africa? Then consider joining a group of volunteers that will be traveling to Malawi, in southeastern Africa, to help build houses with Habitat for Humanity. Take a vacation with a difference and experience the beauty, culture and charm of the country affectionately known as “the warm heart of Africa.” This trip will accord you with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Africa like never before. You will be changed forever!
Malawi is a country of gorgeous scenery and welcoming people. The Great Rift Valley runs north to south, surrounded by mountain ranges and high plateaus.
Malawi also ranks among the world's least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 85 percent of the population engaged in smallholder farming.
About Habitat for Humanity Malawi
Habitat for Humanity Malawi started in the capital city of Lilongwe in 1986. It constructs houses of burnt clay bricks, cement floors and tile roofs. More than 5,000 houses have been built to date.
Types of construction for volunteers
Typical work for Global Village teams includes mixing mortar and concrete, carrying construction materials, fixing chicken wires, digging foundations, making bricks, carrying water and other tasks.
Day 1 (Friday): Depart from the United States.
Day 2 (Saturday): Arrive in Malawi; dinner and overnight.
Day 3 (Sunday): Breakfast at the hotel; welcome and orientation with local staff; lunch at hotel; work in the afternoon; dinner and overnight.
Day 4-7 (Monday-Thursday): Typical build day: breakfast served before traveling to work site; work from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with lunch on-site; free time in the evenings for local cultural activities; dinner; team activities.
Day 8 (Friday): Work a half-day; lunch on-site; house dedication and farewell ceremony in the afternoon; drive back to Lilongwe; dinner and overnight
Day 9 (Saturday): Breakfast at the hotel; cultural activities and free time; dinner and overnight.
Day 10 (Sunday): Depart for home.
Note: There will be other opportunities for cultural activities in the evenings, during free time and during days off.
Teams traveling to Malawi stay in either guesthouses or small hotels, depending on the location. Breakfast and dinner are provided at lodging, and lunch is provided on-site.
NOTE: For more details about what is included in this cost, visit Global Village program cost.)
Increase your impact: Take the GV Challenge
Habitat for Humanity is accelerating its work to end poverty housing, and we need Global Village teams to help. Set a goal and fundraise to make your impact last longer than the days you’re in the field. Your support builds more homes, creates resource centers, educates families, and advances our projects to build sustainable communities. We’ll even provide tools to make fundraising easy. Take the GV Challenge—join us in sharing our story and building a better world.
My name is Yamiko Samu, and I work for Habitat for Humanity International, based in Atlanta, Ga. I was born and raised in Malawi but have lived in Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa and now the United States. I have led Global Village teams in Malawi, Romania and South Africa and have traveled extensively around the world. My biggest passion is to share with people the beauty and rich heritage of my homeland, Malawi.
To get a taste of this awesome experience, visit the blog for our 2010 Malawi trip: http://gv2malawi2010.wordpress.com.
Please contact Yamiko at firstname.lastname@example.org.