Volunteer in Africa
Ripple Africa’s primary focus is on running its projects to help the local communities in northern Malawi. However, we also run a volunteer programme and welcome volunteers from overseas. So if you have ever wanted to volunteer in Africa read more about our volunteering opportunities in the Warm Heart of Africa.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic we are unable to currently confirm placement start dates however, we are still welcoming enquiries and processing applications.
What Makes a Good Volunteer in Africa?
Ripple Africa volunteers are typically:
- Realists not idealists
- Enthusiastic
- Hard-working
- Self-motivated
- Proactive
Volunteers do not replace or take jobs away from local Malawians — they assist them with the various projects the charity runs in the area around Mwaya. Our volunteers are aged 23 years upwards. As a volunteer abroad, you will be part of the team at Mwaya Beach, and it’s important for you all to get into the spirit of communal living. Volunteers often make life-long friends and return to Mwaya for visits.
Volunteer in Africa – The Programme
Unlike many volunteering operations, our volunteer programme is not rigidly structured. It is really up to you what you become involved with when you reach Mwaya, depending on your skills and particular interests.
When you first arrive, you are given an orientation by the Volunteer Manager who will show you round the local area, our projects, and the schools and medical centres. There are so many opportunities and our staff in Malawi will help guide you as to where you can add value, and then you need to decide where you will be best placed to help. However, it often takes our volunteers some time to settle into life at Mwaya. You must be prepared to be patient as the pace of life in Malawi is much slower and very different to what you are used to.
In general, the more you put into your time volunteering in Malawi, the more you will get out of it.
The Projects
All of our projects are focused on finding simple, low-cost local solutions to a wide variety of problems faced by the local communities at Mwaya and in the neighbouring villages. If you are looking to volunteer in Africa, it is important to know that our volunteers are there to assist with existing projects and not to take away jobs from the local Malawians.
Placement Length
Excited to volunteer in Malawi? We encourage a stay of a minimum of four weeks. The average volunteer placement is around three months which allows volunteers to establish solid relationships in the community and contribute a reasonable amount of time to the projects. For volunteer teachers, it allows them to complete one school term in most cases. It is important to recognise that, although the volunteers will benefit enormously from their experience volunteering with Ripple Africa at Mwaya, our main responsibility is to provide consistent and effective assistance to the community.
Volunteer in Africa Accommodation
This comprises some lovely beach chalets which the volunteers share, communal hot and cold showers, and toilets. Fabiana, Martha and Geddess prepare the evening meals and do the washing up. Maria and Rebecca do the volunteers’ laundry, wash their bed linen, and clean the showers and toilets. The property, which is located right on the beach, and the local area are really beautiful. For more information about Mwaya Beach, please read the Mwaya Beach, Malawi, Africa – Home of Ripple Africa section on the Accommodation and the Area page.
How to Apply
Please read the Application Process page, and then complete the online Enquiry Form if you are interested in volunteering with Ripple Africa.
Want to Visit But Can’t Commit to Our Recommended Placement Duration?
We welcome visitors too. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into the work we do by spending time with our passionate staff and visiting the many varied projects we run. For more information, go to the Visit Us in Malawi. At the end of your stay with us in Malawi, you may be keen to go on safari. We recommend you contacting Kiboko Safaris or The Responsible Safari Company for more information.
