Volunteer in Malawi!

Volunteer with World Camp and Help create lasting change

World Camp creates lasting change in disadvantaged communities by developing innovative, sustainable solutions to locally challenging problems. To do this, we engage individuals through local and regional projects, unique curricula and instruction, community partnerships, and service.

World Camp offers various ways to get involved in our outreach programs abroad:

SERVICE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM – Ages 18-25

Service Internship Programs—Founded in 2000 for degree seeking students or recent graduates interested in international internship experience. Interns from around the world gain work experience in the fields of education, health, international development and social services while providing outreach in target schools and communities. Interns are selected from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and may participate in conjunction with a university-approved internship. Upon arrival in country, interns complete an intensive 25 hour training and orientation on Malawian culture, the education system and WC’s focus issues and curriculum. The next four weeks are spent working at WC partner schools in rural communities around Lilongwe, teaching curriculum to Standards 6-8, initiating school action plans in Teacher Workshops and conducting community Outreach Projects. Further learning opportunities are presented through online certificate programs, guest speakers, visits to Voluntary Counseling and Testing centers and partner organizations. A deeper understanding of community culture and customs are gained through home-stays, village hikes and optional trips to Lake Malawi or National Parks.

YOUTH TO YOUTH PROGRAM – Ages 15-17

Youth to Youth (Y2Y) Volunteer Programs- We piloted Y2Y programs in 2008 following considerable interest from high school students and a recognized need to also work with younger students in our target communities. Mirroring our service internship programs in structure, the Y2Y program is specifically designed for volunteers aged 15-17. Y2Y volunteers live, work and travel together for the duration of the program. Y2Y volunteers work alongside Malawian Field Staff to teach in grades 4-6 in target schools. Keeping the needs of local communities in mind, the Y2Y-taught courses cover subjects of HIV/AIDS awareness, stigma, malaria prevention, and environmental conservation. All Y2Y programs include 24-hour supervision and are led by WC Coordinators trained to support teenagers living and volunteering abroad. We provide Y2Y volunteers with an intensive orientation and additional training in preparation for their volunteer experience. Throughout the session, groups benefit from guided reflections and age-appropriate extracurricular activities that provide a deeper understanding of local culture as well as NGO work in developing countries.

PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECTS – Ages 22+

Professional Capacity Building Projects- World Camp’s Professional Capacity Building projects match professional volunteers with community needs in order to help community based organizations improve management, structure and leadership of local initiatives. In rural villages of Malawi, community based organizations (CBO) provide a direct and sustainable relationship with community members. Staff and local volunteers play a key role in the organization of local leaders, teachers, women groups, families and children. Their time, energy and ideas are vital in providing sustainable programs that support struggling children and families. The Professional Capacity Building project aims to increase the capabilities and outreach of CBOs by providing unique training opportunities at a professional level that are otherwise unavailable. These projects support environmental and economic sustainability, youth empowerment and local health needs. These projects integrate capacity building and community participation to create sustainable community-based solutions. WC selects professionals based on skill sets that are adapted to the needs of partner CBOs.