Volunteer trip to Malawi

About Me

Hi! I'm Bethany (known as Robin to my friends). I am currently a sixth form student studying philosophy, politics and economics at A-level. I am trying to raise money for a gap year project, teaching English in Malawi, that will happen in 2016. I learned about the charity Lattitude at my college at the beginning of the year, and since have been very eager to work with them in my gap year before going to university. They do wonderful work and this project is something I can do to help people and expand my world vision before starting my adult life. 

About the Project

Lattitude Global Volunteering is an international youth development charity offering overseas volunteering placements for 17 to 25 year olds. They describe their vision is one 'of a world where all young people contribute to a more dynamic, caring and tolerant society as responsible global citizens'. What I hope to do is to travel to Malawi, Africa for 6 months in January 2016. There, I hope to help with community teaching, most likely in the local primary school, teaching subjects such as English, maths, history and drama from their curriculum. Outside of my core teaching hours, which generally end at about 1pm, I would be able to set up extra-curricular activities for the students and get involved with the community as a whole. 

Why This Project is Important

In Malawi, teachers are scarce. In a small village near the town of Mtunthama, around 640 students are taught by 5 teachers. This means that the pupils cannot be considered as individuals in general, not for lack of trying or motivation to do so, but because it's simply impossible given the student to teacher ratio. Being able to start extra-curricular activities has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of the children growing up in towns that are largely isolated. I feel that being able to make an impact on the new generation; the adults of the future; would be an absolutely incredible, inspiring and invaluable experience that not only would help those with whom I volunteered, but also myself. 

What the money is paying for

The figure of £5000 is the average maximum total costs of a volunteering placement in Malawi according to Lattitude. The fee payable to Lattitude Global Volunteering £2450, and the rest of the money would include flights, travel insurance, supplementary food whilst I am volunteering, and so on. I have rounded up for my fundraising target in the hopes that I will definitely raise enough to do the project through any and all eventualities. Any excess money raised over what is needed through the project will go to the charity Camfed to support women and girls' education in sub-Saharan Africa, including Malawi.  

Thank you so much for reading about my project, and I hope you will consider helping me achieve my goal.