ICS Malawi

I am Joana Phiri, born on the 31st March 1992. I have a certificate of MSCE which was obtained at Phwadzi. Now I am working with Progressio as a volunteer. On 23rd October 2014 we went to N’gabu, where we visited some support groups of women living with HIV and AIDS. There were 4 support groups; Magomero, Chisomo, Nthandizi and Tiyanjane. The main aim was to find out the problems they are facing and what they think can be the solution to their problems.

They say to write is difficult, to have written is pride. And since I graduated from college writing my own articles has been a mountain that I have always failed to climb. I always looked down on myself and never tried. When I joined Progressio Godwin repeatedly said that ICS is a learning process but still I remained doubtful.

Ever thought of how you will be remembered when you're gone?

After a productive stay in Mulanje, Team Sapitwa left a mark that will stay in people’s hearts forever - a special sustainable project. 

International Volunteer Day (IVD) is a day celebrated by the United Nations since 1985. The day falls on 5 December, where it offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations, individual volunteers and communities to celebrate and promote their contributions at local, national and international levels- focusing on the achievement of the millennium development goals.

The journey started with a pre-placement training in Salima at Mpatsa Lodge for the In-Country volunteers (ICVs). Among other things, the ICVs were taught about what ICS Progressio, how it works and what is expected from them. A successful three day training in Salima lead to a week's orientation in Lilongwe at Crescent Guest House, where the UK Volunteers’ journey started. We spent a week here forming friendships with our new arrivals.

Throughout my placement my knowledge of how development works on the ground has vastly improved. I have learnt the importance of people powered development; I now understand that in order for people’s lives to improve they need to be empowered with the tools for them to improve their own lives. In particular I have found the use of drama and the arts as an effective way of empowering people thus leading to their own development. 

Team Umoza is formed of six UK volunteers and seven in-country volunteers. We are located in Mzuzu, North Malawi. Progressio Malawi has been working with Ungweru, a local organisation that targets the communities around Mzuzu city. Ungweru has had five cycles of Progressio volunteers. The first two cycles were June-December 2012, the last three were January-September 2014. As the sixth cycle and the last cycle of 2014, team Umoza are fortunate enough to work with a well administered and experienced organisation.   

On Saturday the 29th November, Team COWLHA Wa Mawa were joined by students from around Boma (town centre) at Chikhwawa Secondary School for an HIV and AIDS awareness day. We employed 10 HTC (HIV Testing and Counselling) volunteers from the District Hospital who set up their services in the school’s classrooms. 

My name is Ethel Msusa, am 23 years old and single, I have Malawi School Leaving Certificate which I obtained in 2012. I also have a certificate of attendance in Electronics.

On 21st October my team and I went to Mfera Health Centre where we conducted a meeting with two support groups, Chisomo and Tigwilizane support groups.