A Life-Changing Experience in Malawi

How many people can say they spent two weeks of their summer holidays volunteering 8,030 miles from home? As a CYCJ employee at the University of Strathclyde, I had the privilege of joining the Renfrewshire Council team for our fourth visit to Malawi. Our group of six included two newcomers, two of us who had previously participated in three trips, and two veterans who had been on all four trips—2015, 2017, 2019, and 2024, with the 2020 gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflecting on Past Projects
My journey to Malawi began in 2017, a trip that changed my life – you just can’t imagine how good for the soul supporting people to build schools and communities can be. Our previous visits involved constructing a primary school, medical centre, and nursery in William Village, under the guidance of Dezi from Classrooms for Malawi. We’ve also visited Steka (Step Kids Awareness), met the inspiring Godknows Maseko, and forged lasting connections with children like Manes, Patrick, and Oliver, who remain in our hearts.

Highlights of the 2024 Trip
On July 29, we embarked on our journey to Blantyre, arriving on the 30^th where our welcoming party from CFM and Ngumbe Secondary School greeted us at the airport. Despite a hiccup with our luggage, we quickly got to work. Our mission was to build walls in school dormitories to accommodate more boys, as the girls’ facilities had been upgraded for increased privacy and safety. Our team, now skilled in bricklaying, built separating walls and a drainage system. Meanwhile, our team member, “Malawi Steve,” dedicated his time to painting and installing lights at Ngumbe Secondary School, with support from local tradesmen.

The Motivation Behind Our Volunteering
Why do we choose to spend our summer holidays volunteering in Malawi? The answer is simple: Once you visit Malawi it is difficult to not want to go back, there is something about the country, the people and the community that makes you want to support brighter futures by investing your time in promoting education opportunities for children. The children have stolen our hearts and every time we visit, we gain new friends. Although I had thought that would be my last trip, I can’t wait to go back in 2026.

Zikomo Malawi!

Ruby