Environmental Volunteers

  Malawi

Nkhata Bay

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: All year round

Description: We have quite a number of environmental projects, including tree planting, fruit tree propagation, vegetable gardens, fish farming, beekeeping, fuel-efficient wood-burning stove making, etc. Our environmental projects are not just located locally and could be anywhere within Nkhata Bay District, an area of 4,000 sq.km. We encourage communities and local Malawians to take ownership of these projects and, consequently, it can be difficult to provide full-time volunteer placements. One of the main problems, however, is transport which can be time-consuming and costly; for example, our environmental projects office is based in Chintheche which is 25km north of Mwaya. However, we would be happy for any of our volunteers who are working in education or healthcare to become involved in some way with one or more of our environmental projects.

If you are looking for a full-time volunteer environmental placement, we would need to discuss with you on the phone or via e-mail what your skills are and what opportunities could be available. Previous volunteers have been involved with, for example, in-depth studies related to fuel-efficient wood-burning clay stove usage and benefits, and community vegetable gardens for the benefit of HIV/AIDS sufferers. We will be placing great emphasis on environmental awareness training in the future.

Qualifications: It would be useful if applicants had some knowledge of permaculture, organic food production, natural pest control, grafting and budding, tree propagation, etc., in the tropics.

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: 300 non-refundable deposit plus an amount dependent on the length of stay

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: RIPPLE Africa volunteers are typically enthusiastic, hard-working, self-motivated and proactive people who are able to work under their own initiative. They do not replace or take jobs away from local Malawians they assist them with the various projects running in the area around Mwaya. RIPPLE Africa volunteers are also realists - they know they won't change Africa, but they hope they will make a difference to the lives of a few of the local people.

Age Range: 21 upwards (average age is 23-28 years old)

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Malawi Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of up to 10

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

RIPPLE Africa's Mission Statement: Our mission is to improve the standard of education and health care, to preserve and sustainable develop the environment, and to create opportunities for the local community around Mwaya on the northern lake shore of Lake Malawi. Our aim is to give a hand up - not a hand out.

Year Founded: 2003