Kindergarten Teaching in Mangochi, Malawi

If you love working with young people, are energetic and want to inspire the furture generation, then yes absolutely! Teaching in a foreign country can be challenging but the rewards are even greater. 

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion 

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

You will participate in our orientation day on Monday of your first week of employment here, which will acquaint you with the area and the people here. From Tuesday on, your program will run as usual for the remainder of the week.

Schedule

• Breakfast at the accommodation – 0700hrs to 0800hrs
• Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and explaining & handling of documents (Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Media Consent, Etc…)
• Malawian brief history, Lessons in Malawian Culture, Do’s and Don’ts and Basic Malawian Language Lessons.
• Lunch at the accommodation – 1200hrs to 1300hrs
• To ensure participants are well-acquainted with the surroundings, the coordinator will guide the participants to key spots like supermarket, ATM, and currency exchange center and assist in obtaining a local SIM card with data (Airtel Network) for seamless communication during their stay (if not already obtained).
• Walk to the Malawi Lake.
• Malawian “Nsima” Cooking lesson.
• Dinner at the accommodation – 1900hrs to 2000hrs.

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Lilongwe International Airport (LLW). You must arrive between 06:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times you can book a private transfer and any extra night’s accommodation for an additional fee.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the international airport to the Mangochi accommodation, it takes approx 4hours 45min by road to the accommodation.

Monday

• Breakfast at the accommodation
• Introduction Meeting: House rules, expectations, health and safety guidelines, and handling of documents (Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Media Consent, etc.).
• Malawian Culture Overview: Brief history, cultural lessons, do’s and don’ts, and basic Malawian language lessons.
• Lunch at the accommodation
• Orientation Tour: Visit local supermarkets, ATMs, currency exchange centers, and assistance with obtaining a local SIM card (Airtel Network).
• Malawian Cooking Class: Learn to cook “Nsima,” a traditional Malawian dish.
• Dinner at the accommodation

Tuesday

• Breakfast at the accommodation
• Teacher Meeting: Join the team to plan for the day, followed by the Kindergarten teaching assistant program.
• Lunch at the accommodation
• Activity Planning:

• Select and discuss a theme for an upcoming special day with teachers.
• Develop and prepare an activity program aligned with the theme.
• Example: Sports-themed day including reading, singing, sorting colors, engaging in sports activities, and a medal ceremony.

• Dinner at the accommodation

Wednesday

• Breakfast at the accommodation
• Teacher Meeting: Join the team to plan for the day, followed by the Kindergarten teaching assistant program.
• Lunch at the accommodation
• Toy Crafting: Collaborate with teachers or locals to create toys from recycled materials, ensuring they are safe and suitable for nursery use.
• Dinner at the accommodation

Thursday

• Breakfast at the accommodation
• Teacher Meeting: Join the team to plan for the day, followed by the Kindergarten teaching assistant program.
• Lunch at the accommodation
• You can choose one of these options:

• Option 1: Creative Activity Planning: Plan an engaging activity related to creativity, sports, or music for the children.
• Option 2: Knowledge Sharing Meeting: Engage with teachers to exchange ideas and share new practices brought from different cultural backgrounds.

• Dinner at the accommodation

Friday

• Breakfast at the accommodation
• Teacher Meeting: Join the team to plan for the day, followed by the Kindergarten teaching assistant program.
• Lunch at the accommodation
• You can choose one of these options:

• Option 1: Health and Hygiene Education: Research health topics relevant to the nursery environment and organize a meeting or activity on health and hygiene.
• Option 2: Nursery Block Maintenance: Inspect the nursery block and surrounding environment, perform tasks such as painting, gardening, cleaning, or setting up amenities.

• Dinner at the accommodation

*** This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances ***

• Here’s a list of top things to see and do in Mangochi and the surrounding area:

  Relax on Lake Malawi’s Beaches
  Mangochi is close to some of the lake’s best beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a sunset. Cape Maclear and Monkey Bay are nearby and popular for their laid-back vibe and crystal-clear waters.

  Visit Lake Malawi National Park
  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is home to unique freshwater fish species and great for snorkelling, diving, and boat tours. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and only a short trip from Mangochi.

  Explore Local Markets
  Mangochi’s bustling markets offer a lively mix of fresh produce, crafts, clothing, and street food. It’s a great way to experience everyday life and pick up a few local items.

  Take a Boat Trip on the Shire River
  Enjoy a relaxing boat ride and spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Some tours offer sunset cruises or fishing trips with local guides.

  Discover Cultural Sites
  Mangochi has a rich mix of Christian and Muslim influences. Visit historic mosques, churches, and colonial-era buildings that give insight into the town’s diverse heritage.

  Visit Liwonde National Park (1–2 hours away)
  A great day trip or overnight option, this park offers guided safaris with chances to see elephants, hippos, antelope, and more. It’s one of Malawi’s top wildlife destinations.

  Enjoy Local Cuisine
  Try fresh chambo fish from Lake Malawi, maize-based dishes like nsima, or local snacks like mandasi (fried dough balls) from roadside stalls.

  Visit the Mangochi Museum
  Located in a former colonial building, this small but interesting museum showcases local history, traditional tools, and artifacts from the region, including Mangochi’s time as a colonial administrative centre.

  Go Birdwatching
  Mangochi and the surrounding lakeshore areas are great for spotting birdlife, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. Bring binoculars and enjoy the peaceful natural setting, especially early in the morning.

Additional Requirements

• Participants above 60 must secure medical clearance. For those under 18, a signed parental consent form is mandatory.
• It’s mandatory to have a yellow fever vaccination and obtain a valid certificate. It is required upon entry into Malawi. Lack of this certificate could result in entry refusal.
• Other recommended vaccines include diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal meningitis, rabies, and typhoid. For individuals at the highest risk, selective vaccines like Cholera might be advised for consideration.

Additional Equipment

Packing List
        Clothing

• Modest clothing (covers knees and shoulders)
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• Sun hat, fleece sweater, windproof rain jacket (depending on weather)

Documents

• Passport
• Flight info, insurance, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates (with photocopies)

Health & Safety:

• Hand sanitizer, face masks (if required)
• First-aid kit (medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, rehydration tablets)

Essentials:

• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)
• Day pack, small travel towel, reusable water bottle
• Moneybelt, locks for bags
• Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player)

Optional Items:

• Games, books, color pencils, chalk, rulers, etc.
• Pictures from your country, family, and friends.
• Other small cultural objects from your country of origin

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link:MW – Holidays – All Programs

Malawi is located in southeastern Africa and shares borders with Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. It has a population of around 20 million people, the majority of whom live in rural areas and rely heavily on subsistence farming. The economy is primarily agricultural, with maize being the staple crop. Malawi remains one of the world’s least developed countries, and many of its communities face daily struggles related to food security, education, and healthcare. Despite these challenges, Malawi has made progress in areas such as reducing HIV prevalence and increasing school enrolment. Its capital city is Lilongwe, while other major towns include Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Zomba.

Malawi has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: the cool dry season (May to August), the hot dry season (September to November), and the rainy season (December to April). The temperatures vary depending on altitude, with cooler weather in the highlands and hotter conditions in the low-lying areas near the lake and southern regions. Volunteers should be prepared for warm to hot days and cooler evenings, especially in the dry season. The rainy season brings lush green landscapes and supports farming, but can also cause flooding and transportation challenges in rural areas.

Malawian culture is shaped by a mix of ethnic traditions, with the Chewa being the largest ethnic group. Music, dance, and storytelling are central to community life, especially during festivals and ceremonies. Christianity is the dominant religion, followed by Islam, and traditional beliefs are also widely respected. Malawians are known for their hospitality, strong sense of community, and deep respect for elders. English is the official language, but Chichewa is the most widely spoken local language, and learning a few basic phrases can go a long way in building connections with locals. Cultural norms emphasize modesty, politeness, and a slower, more relaxed pace of life.

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