A number of Charities run very effective projects in Malawi. These range from very large international organisations, to small groups of people focussed on helping a single specific project.
Many of these charitable projects are associated with the tourist industry and for more information on this, see below.
In additon, there are numerous other projects which seek support and some links can be found by clicking: Links to Charities . (if you know of other charities operating in Malawi, please contact us and we will add a link)
Malawi's tourist industry has a very important role to play in the well-being and development of Malawi and its people. Tourism operations have strong links to their local communities, for whom they are often the main employer in the region. There is continued support for local community and economic development through tourism. Members of the tourist industry are also involved in a number of charitable projects which set out to benefit Malawi's people and preserve it's natural resources. Below are details of some examples. More information can be found by following the links.
Run by a British couple The Responsible Safari Company is based in Blantyre, Malawi, and specialises in responsible tourism across Malawi and Zambia.
We aim to offer travellers a unique experience whilst ensuring the benefits of tourism are given back to local people. We support a wide range of development initiatives across Malawi and are therefore able to offer our clients a chance to get more out of their safari to Africa. People travelling with us will have the opportunity to truly connect with the local people and learn about some of the issues facing developing countries today. Whether it be a day’s visit to a local market, a stop at a local orphanage or a chance to spend two weeks living and working within a rural community, we try to match your skills and aspirations to relevant projects, creating a mutually beneficial exchange of cultures, experiences and skills.
To find out more visit www.responsiblesafaricompany.com or email kate@responsiblesafaricompany.com.
This project is run in Malawi by Central African Wilderness Safaris. Children in the Wilderness was initially a brainchild inspired by the Hollywood actor Paul Newman, together with Wilderness Safaris, and is a unique experience for some of Malawi's most underprivileged/ underserved children, namely those orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The goals of the Children in the Wilderness program are to increase awareness around conservation and ecological issues critical to Malawi; educate around health and hygiene issues; and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention education. All of our programming works on developing their resilience, independence and self-esteem, thus increasing their potential to not just survive into adulthood, but to thrive.
The commitment and support, to date, from local, national and international organizations, as well as our guests, has resulted in our ability to expand the programme this year into both Malawi and South Africa. With continued success we will eventually incorporate this potentially life-changing experience into every country in southern Africa where Wilderness operates.
If you would like any further information or would like to make a donation to this incredible programme please go to www.childreninthewilderness.com
Project African Wilderness works in and around Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve in southern Malawi. PAW has a long term agreement with the Government to develop environmental conservation, eco-tourism and community livelihoods.
PAW's main work is protection and improvement of the Wildlife Reserve and ultimately to return the black rhino here. Work is carried our through a locally registered Mwabvi Wildlife and Community Trust which also oversees a growing range of education, agricultural and community projects.
Over the past few years PAW has worked on eco-tourism as a source of local employment and income generation and:
- developed a base outside the Reserve at Chipembere Camp where short term breaks, bush training and longer term volunteering are possible, using dormitory and some house accommodation
- upgraded Migudu campsite inside the Reserve, with piped water, hot and cold ablutions, a reception and viewing platform and secluded space for 4x4's as well as tented camping and overlander space
- built a small lodge with 6 en suite chalets and self catering kitchen/dining/viewing area close to the Mwabvi River Gorge.
For more info contact gaynor@projectafricanwilderness.org in the UK or adele@projectafricanwilderness.org in Malawi or visit: www.projectafricanwilderness.org
Lilongwe-based Barefoot Safaris is involved in a number of chairty projects throughout Malawi. These include:
In July 2003 14 students from Ridgeway School, Plympton and King Edward VI School, Stafford travelled to Malawi with World Challenge to help renovate Dzalanyama School, near Lilongwe. Their visited was arranged by Land & Lake Safaris. In 2004 Mark and Claire Davidson return to the school to launch a building project: a derelict barn is to become a dormitory for some of the students at Dzalanyama School. For further information, use the link below.
www.malawiproject.net
There are a number of projects set up on Likoma Island, in conjunction with Kaya Mawa lodge. For further information, see Sponsor an Island Child and Lake Malawi Projects.
Volunteer in Africa with Naturally Africa Volunteers. We offer volunteer opportunities in Malawi for skilled and non-skilled volunteers to assist on projects including medical, teaching and sports. With the ongoing support of volunteers these projects are making a genuine difference to the standard of living for rural communities and families living in poverty. The results of medical projects, such as malaria prevention, have even shown a marked decrease in the incidence of disease and mortality rates. Our projects are focussed on imparting skills and knowledge through education, so that communities may work to support themselves in the long-term and become self-sufficient wherever possible, as opposed to creating a dependence on aid. This means that your time, energy, skills, knowledge, experience and motivation can help to make a difference as part of an ongoing programme and efforts of volunteers.
Please visit our website at www.volunteerafrica.com for more information and we look forward to welcoming you to our volunteer community.
