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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)

Kindergarten Support & Education

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Join teacher meetings, and plan themed activities
  • Assist in teaching and engaging with local students, supporting subjects like Math, English, and Science
  • Teach and play through games, songs, art, sport, music

Highlights

  • Join teacher meetings, and plan themed activities
  • Assist in teaching and engaging with local students, supporting subjects like Math, English, and Science
  • Teach and play through games, songs, art, sport, music
  • Teach simple English words and phrases, such as colours, animals and greetings
  • Install confidence, creativity and individuality within the students as they practice their new skills

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Make a lasting impact in the lives of nursery children and the community. Are you ready to ignite curiosity and creativity in the heart of Malawi?

    This program offers a unique mix of cultural immersion, educational development, and community connection. It’s an incredible opportunity to support young learners, contribute to their growth, and gain first-hand insight into Malawian traditions and education.

    From joining collaborative planning ...

    About the program

    This program offers a unique mix of cultural immersion, educational development, and community connection. It’s an incredible opportunity to support young learners, contribute to their growth, and gain first-hand insight into Malawian traditions and education.

    From joining collaborative planning sessions with local teachers to creating fun, educational tools from recycled materials, you’ll play an active role in nurturing bright futures. More than just classroom support, this experience is about becoming a force for positive change and empowerment in the heart of a welcoming community.

    Program Highlights

    Interactive Classroom Support
    Get involved in daily lessons by helping teach core subjects like English, Math, and Science. Create a lively and engaging environment where students feel motivated to learn and participate.

    Cultural Immersion
    Work side by side with local teachers and community members, learning about the rich traditions and values that shape life in Malawi. This cultural exchange deepens your understanding and fosters mutual respect.

    Creative Teaching Activities
    Bring learning to life by developing hands-on educational games and projects. Use your creativity to design interactive lessons and activities that make education fun and accessible.

    Health & Hygiene Promotion
    Take the lead in organizing health and hygiene awareness sessions. Teach students and staff about essential practices to improve overall well-being within the school and local community.

    Lasting Community Impact
    Your efforts will help improve the quality and reach of early childhood education in the area, empowering children with a stronger educational foundation and brighter future.

    Your Role

    • Support Teaching Efforts: Work alongside teachers to deliver lessons and assist in classroom management, ensuring students stay engaged and on track.
    • Organize Learning Activities: Help plan and carry out themed days, games, and special events that align with learning objectives and keep students excited about school.
    • Create Recycled Learning Materials: Collaborate with the community to craft educational toys and tools using sustainable, locally sourced materials.
    • Promote Health Education: Lead simple, age-appropriate sessions on hygiene and healthy habits to encourage better daily practices in schools and homes.
    • Help Maintain the Learning Environment: Contribute to creating a clean, safe, and welcoming space by assisting with light gardening, cleaning, and organizing classrooms.
    • Join Cultural Orientation: Take part in workshops that introduce you to Malawian culture, customs, and history, helping you settle in and connect with your surroundings.
    • Participate in Teacher Meetings: Attend regular meetings with staff to plan lessons, review progress, and work collaboratively toward shared educational goals.

    Location

    Mangochi is a lively lakeside town in southern Malawi, perfect for those looking to soak up local culture and enjoy easy access to Lake Malawi’s beaches. Known for its colourful markets, friendly locals, and mix of Muslim and Christian traditions, it’s a great base for exploring nearby fishing villages and scenic resorts. It offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, access to nearby beaches and wildlife areas, and a chance to engage with welcoming local communities in a region rich in natural beauty.

    Project Tasks

    • Join teacher meetings and assist with English teaching & other subjects
    • Plan themed activities with the kids
    • Contribute to health and hygiene education


    Typical day

    Volunteer 3-5 hours p/dayMonday
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • Introduction Meeting: House rules, expectations, health and safety guidelines, and handling of documents (Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Media Consent, etc.).
    • Malawian Culture Overview: Brief history, cultural lessons, do’s and ...

    Typical day

    Volunteer 3-5 hours p/dayMonday
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • Introduction Meeting: House rules, expectations, health and safety guidelines, and handling of documents (Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Media Consent, etc.).
    • Malawian Culture Overview: Brief history, cultural lessons, do’s and don’ts, and basic Malawian language lessons.
    • Lunch at the accommodation
    • Orientation Tour: Visit local supermarkets, ATMs, currency exchange centers, and assistance with obtaining a local SIM card (Airtel Network).
    • Malawian Cooking Class: Learn to cook “Nsima,” a traditional Malawian dish.
    • Dinner at the accommodation
    Tuesday
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • Teacher Meeting: Join the team to plan for the day, followed by the Kindergarten teaching assistant program.
    • Lunch at the accommodation
    • Activity Planning:
    • Select and discuss a theme for an upcoming special day with teachers.
    • Develop and prepare an activity program aligned with the theme.
    • Example: Sports-themed day including reading, singing, sorting colors, engaging in sports activities, and a medal ceremony.
    • Dinner at the accommodation
    Wednesday
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • Teacher Meeting: Join the team to plan for the day, followed by the Kindergarten teaching assistant program.
    • Lunch at the accommodation
    • Toy Crafting: Collaborate with teachers or locals to create toys from recycled materials, ensuring they are safe and suitable for nursery use.
    • Dinner at the accommodation
    Thursday
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • Teacher Meeting: Join the team to plan for the day, followed by the Kindergarten teaching assistant program.
    • Lunch at the accommodation
    • You can choose one of these options:
    • Option 1: Creative Activity Planning: Plan an engaging activity related to creativity, sports, or music for the children.
    • Option 2: Knowledge Sharing Meeting: Engage with teachers to exchange ideas and share new practices brought from different cultural backgrounds.
    • Dinner at the accommodation
    Friday
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • Teacher Meeting: Join the team to plan for the day, followed by the Kindergarten teaching assistant program.
    • Lunch at the accommodation
    • You can choose one of these options:
    • Option 1: Health and Hygiene Education: Research health topics relevant to the nursery environment and organize a meeting or activity on health and hygiene.
    • Option 2: Nursery Block Maintenance: Inspect the nursery block and surrounding environment, perform tasks such as painting, gardening, cleaning, or setting up amenities.
    • Dinner at the accommodation

    *** This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances ***


    Free-time activities

    Here’s a list of top things to see and do in Mangochi and the surrounding area:

    Relax on Lake Malawi’s Beaches
    Mangochi is close to some of the lake’s best beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a sunset. Cape Maclear and Monkey Bay are nearby and popular for their laid-back vibe ...

    Free-time activities

    Here’s a list of top things to see and do in Mangochi and the surrounding area:

    Relax on Lake Malawi’s Beaches
    Mangochi is close to some of the lake’s best beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a sunset. Cape Maclear and Monkey Bay are nearby and popular for their laid-back vibe and crystal-clear waters.

    Visit Lake Malawi National Park
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is home to unique freshwater fish species and great for snorkelling, diving, and boat tours. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and only a short trip from Mangochi.

    Explore Local Markets
    Mangochi’s bustling markets offer a lively mix of fresh produce, crafts, clothing, and street food. It’s a great way to experience everyday life and pick up a few local items.

    Take a Boat Trip on the Shire River
    Enjoy a relaxing boat ride and spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Some tours offer sunset cruises or fishing trips with local guides.

    Discover Cultural Sites
    Mangochi has a rich mix of Christian and Muslim influences. Visit historic mosques, churches, and colonial-era buildings that give insight into the town’s diverse heritage.

    Visit Liwonde National Park (1–2 hours away)
    A great day trip or overnight option, this park offers guided safaris with chances to see elephants, hippos, antelope, and more. It’s one of Malawi’s top wildlife destinations.

    Enjoy Local Cuisine
    Try fresh chambo fish from Lake Malawi, maize-based dishes like nsima, or local snacks like mandasi (fried dough balls) from roadside stalls.

    Visit the Mangochi Museum
    Located in a former colonial building, this small but interesting museum showcases local history, traditional tools, and artifacts from the region, including Mangochi’s time as a colonial administrative centre.

    Go Birdwatching
    Mangochi and the surrounding lakeshore areas are great for spotting birdlife, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. Bring binoculars and enjoy the peaceful natural setting, especially early in the morning.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    at high school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • Daily transportation to project
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion 

    Airport Pickup at Lilongwe International Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Lilongwe International Airport (LLW). You must arrive between 06:00 - 16:00 on Sunday. Your transfer will be part of a group departure, so you may need to wait until your group is ready to leave the airport.

    There are two transfer times you may catch, depending on when you land:

    Option A - Sunday: 12:30
    Option B - Sunday: 17:30

    ***If you arrive ahead of time, make sure you return to your meeting point at the appointed time as we may not be able to wait on any late arrivals.***

    If arriving outside the pickup times you can book a private transfer and any extra night’s accommodation for an additional fee.

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

    From the international airport to the Mangochi accommodation, it takes approx 4hours 45min by road to the accommodation.

    Accommodation

    You will be accommodated at our centre in simple, shared rooms of 4-8 people of single gender. Western-style flush toilets are available, and laundry facilities are limited, so expect to wash your clothes by hand. Bucket and brushers provided. Wifi is not included so please buy a local sim if you need data. Fans and bed linen are provided. Rooms are lockable but no safety box is provided, so we suggest bringing a padlock for your bag to store valuables. 

    We encourage mindful use of resources like water, electricity, and paper. In Mangochi, electricity runs at 230V with a 50Hz frequency, using Type G plugs (around 15 amps), so please bring the right adapters and converters for your devices.

    There are numerous local transportation options, including mini-vans, and taxis, that run every 30 minutes to the centre of Mangochi. The downtown area of Mangochi, which is about 20 to 30 minutes’ drive from the centre, has ATMs and Western Union transfer services. There are local stores close by that can be reached on foot in just 5–10 minutes.

    *Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    3 meals per day are included during your volunteer stay (2 at weekends). Malawian food will be served mainly, along with some European food. You can expect meat, vegetables, potatoes, eggs, bread, rice, spaghetti, and more.


    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Lilongwe International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe. We assist you to find cheap flights to Malawi. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Malawi provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Malawi you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Malawi. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Arrivals on Sundays. Please see arrival info for more details. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $357 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Malawi > Mangochi

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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