Full name: The Republic of Malawi
Population: 16.8 million
Capital: Lilongwe
Area: 118,484 sq km (45,747 sq miles)
Major languages: English, Chichewa (both official)
Major religions: Christianity, Islam
Life expectancy: 55 years (men), 55 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Malawi kwacha (MK) = 100 tambala
Main exports: Tobacco, tea, sugar, cotton
GNI per capita: US $360 (World Bank, 2011)
Internet domain: .mw
International dialling code: +265
 

Altough the last few years have brought encouraging progress in addressing decades of underdevelopment, Malawi is still one of the poorest countries in the world. Communities are largely dependent on subsistence farming and so are vulnerable to droughts and heavy rainfall putting their livelihoods at risk.

Out of a population of 16,000,000 there are 1,100,000 living with HIV. This suppose 10.8% of the adult population (aged 15- 49).

Progressio has been sending ICS volunteers to Malawi since  July 2011. During this time ICS volunteers have worked with many different local partner organisations around the themes of  HIV/AIDS awareness, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Environment and Sustainable Livelihoods.

Previous Progressio ICS volunteers have been involved in:

  • Providing youth with information about their Sexual and Reproductive Rights.
  • Organising community events and offering HIV testing and counselling.
  • Running WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and Life Planning sessions in schools.
  • Building vegetable gardens, painting murals and building toilets for schools.
  • Holding awareness campaigns and events around conservation agriculture and HIV and AIDS.
  • Supporting Village Saving and Loans groups and running business management workshops.
  • Fixing wells and installing water pumps.
  • Hosting a football match to raise awareness on climate change adaptation techniques.
  • Cooking workshops on preparing nutritious meals.
  • Find out more about what it's like to volunteer with Progressio ICS by reading our volunteers' blog

Read more on Progressio's work in Malawi - or browse through our stories from Malawi

Every placement is different, to start your journey please complete the application form on the ICS website