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Outstanding 4.98rating (8)
  • Zero Hunger

School Permaculture Clubs

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

Highlights

  • The aim of the program is to teach children how to care for and regenerate their natural environment, to value their local resources, and to learn how to produce their own nutritious food.
  • MSPC works with 600 children at 15 different school clubs, and has plans of expanding the program to other areas of Malawi. Volunteers can help with the development and delivery of the programme.
  • Gain invaluable experience and knowledge in permaculture principles. The voluntary role can be tailored to each individuals specific requirements and interests.

Highlights

  • The aim of the program is to teach children how to care for and regenerate their natural environment, to value their local resources, and to learn how to produce their own nutritious food.
  • MSPC works with 600 children at 15 different school clubs, and has plans of expanding the program to other areas of Malawi. Volunteers can help with the development and delivery of the programme.
  • Gain invaluable experience and knowledge in permaculture principles. The voluntary role can be tailored to each individuals specific requirements and interests.
  • Help to design, create and maintain the permaculture gardens and nature trail around Butterfly Space Lodge for local school visits and teacher training demonstrations.
  • Assist the maintenance and development of sustainable environmental practices around the lodge for demonstration during school visits & teacher training, such as drip irrigation and solar water heater
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    A nonprofit that promotes permaculture principles to children in Malawi, supporting primary school teachers who want to run after-school permaculture clubs.

    The programme trains and provides teachers with the information and basic resources they need to run an after school permaculture club for up to 40 pupils.  They are practical based sessions which see the children doing a mixture of work both around the school site and in their own small garden ...

    About the program

    The programme trains and provides teachers with the information and basic resources they need to run an after school permaculture club for up to 40 pupils.  They are practical based sessions which see the children doing a mixture of work both around the school site and in their own small garden beds, where they harvest for themselves.  There are also different forms of support to the teachers throughout the year, regular teachers meetings, visits to the school site, advice and some basic necessary equipment.  As this project is growing so quickly at the moment often there are a lot of organisational and feedback tasks for volunteers to get stuck into.  

    Using the garden as a learning tool for the children has proved very successful, both for food production and environmental issues. With Josie Redmonds’s passion for the environment she has taught many teachers and community members and Permaculture Design Courses have also been held at Butterfly Space which offers another great training opportunity.

    If you are interested to volunteer in this area then you can:

    • Work with Francis (on-site permaculture gardener) or Josie in the gardens to plant new crops and species which can be used for the schools. Diversity is the key in Permaculture. 
    • Help out with the organisational aspect of the growing MSPC project;
    • Help at the schools, especially during busy periods where they have open days and visits to other permaculture sites.  
    • Help at the schools during their weekly practical sessions, or arranging extra sessions with the kids.
    • Use produce from the garden to demonstrate new recipe and nutrition ideas during one of the weekly sessions.
    • Assist with data analysis for the increasing number of schools taking part.
    • Help fundraise so that more schools can join this programme.
    • Plant tree seedlings at Butterfly for transplanting later at schools.

    • Paint signs to label more trees around Butterfly and to add to the Butterfly nature trail which is now open for school visits and teacher training. This is also linked to the information in the nutrition folder.

    • Help with landscaping around the site at Butterfly or at the schools.
    • Help to maintain and develop sustainable practices around Butterfly Space for demonstration purposes during school visits and teacher training, such as the drip irrigation system and solar water heaters.

    Typical day

    Volunteering with the permaculture school clubs offers a very flexible and varied schedule. A typical day could start at 8am, after you have enjoyed breakfast at the lodge, finishing mid afternoon, depending on the tasks set out that day. Depending on term time, the stage of the programme and ...

    Typical day

    Volunteering with the permaculture school clubs offers a very flexible and varied schedule. A typical day could start at 8am, after you have enjoyed breakfast at the lodge, finishing mid afternoon, depending on the tasks set out that day. Depending on term time, the stage of the programme and seasons here in Malawi, the position can vary considerably but there are always plenty of tasks to complete! 

    Volunteers will be based at Butterfly Space Lodge, which is used as a hub for the project, and will be working along side Josie Redmonds, Friday and Francis, who are Malawian permaculture professionals who also work with Josie to develop and deliver the project. It is normal to work together in the lobby of Butterfly Space Lodge making plans and organizing school trips and trainings alongside Josie and Francis. 

    On weeks with no training or school open days, you will have flexibility to plan and work on your desired areas of the project, work on tasks directed by the permaculture team, or get your hands dirty in the school or lodge gardens!

    Free-time activities

    Butterfly Space Lodge is beautifully situated under a canopy of mango trees, surrounded by lush permaculture gardens with a restaurant and bar. Butterfly Space is a 15 minute walk from the bustling ferry port and market town, which has a vibrant market, great night life handcrafted souvenir shops, ...

    Free-time activities

    Butterfly Space Lodge is beautifully situated under a canopy of mango trees, surrounded by lush permaculture gardens with a restaurant and bar. Butterfly Space is a 15 minute walk from the bustling ferry port and market town, which has a vibrant market, great night life handcrafted souvenir shops, restaurants and a warm and friendly feel! 

    Across the bay is Aqua Africa who offer scuba diving and kayaking, Monkey Business  (on site at Butterfly) is a small Malawian business that offers kayaking and canoe trips, mountain biking and treks. The lodge has a lively bar and pool table, and hammocks overlooking the beautiful crystal clear Lake Malawi. Snorkels are available free of charge at reception for snorkelling. There are lots of beautiful coves and beaches to explore along the lake, and pretty villages that welcome warmly passers by. 

    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.

    Other Skills

    Practical skills, basic permaculture knowledge, IT skills are desirable for this voluntary role.

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Dormitory Accommodation*

    • Two meals in the restaurant FIRST MONTH ONLY

    • Orientation on projects and Nkhata Bay

    *If people wish to stay in an individual chalet rather than the dormitory then there are upgrade options available.

    Discounts can be discussed and provided for volunteers wishing to volunteer for longer than their initial month. The first month volunteer package is a necessary cost to cover the running costs of the non-profit Butterfly Space lodge and the projects. 


    Accommodation

    You will be placed in a 6 bed dorm, which overlook the lake. Dorm beds have mosquito nets, lockers, and are situated close to our eco friendly toilets and hot outdoor shower which overlooks lake Malawi. 

    Upgrades to private chalets, and en-suite chalets are available upon request.

    Food & Beverages

    2 meals a day in the lodge restaurant for the 1st month only.

    Mkana cafe, situated at Butterflty lodge is outsourced to create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs in our community. 

    The meals are freshly prepared and there are many delicious menu options of local and international dishes, which cater for all dietary requirements.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Mzuzu

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Mzuzu (ZZU) in Mzuzu. 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

    This is an ongoing project. 

    We ask volunteers to stay for a minimum of 1 month.

    Bear in mind that during the summer holiday (July-August) Schools here are closed, however, there is always plenty of planning, garden work and ongoing tasks to be completed during this time!

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

    Program Fees

    $130 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

    4.98
    ・
    8 reviews

    •
    2020
    Volunteering through Butterfly Lodge in Malawi has been a real treat,the people are great, the climate wonderful, the food good and the ...
    Judith Weymont

    E.A.R.T.H Workshops

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Malawi > Nkhata Bay

    Meet your project coordinator

    Holly
    8
    reviews
    4.98
    Outstanding
    2011
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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