Change is Today Not Tomorrow
Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Dalitso Mndala When I look back and reflect on the time I have spent with the children at Tsalani Primary School, I don’t regret the decision to volunteer to teach. Not only did it help me to integrate but it has also brought joy in the good moments I share […]
Living Life Together
Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Chisomo Kamlopa It was around midnight when I heard my host mother knocking at my bedroom window with panic. I knew something was wrong, so we (with my host sisters) ran to open the door. “The wall of my house is about to fall and there is water everywhere in […]
“We Are the People They Have Been Waiting For”
Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Chimwemwe Nzima As powerful as the quote sounds, it still has a story to tell. December, the month I arrived at my site I had mixed feelings as to how was I to integrate and be part of this beautiful, warm village. Little did I know that I was one […]
The Lesson
Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Chifundo Soko It’s been 2 months and some weeks since I have been here. In my opinion, I will say I have integrated pretty well; the host family considers me as one of them. How do I know? They called me when one of the family members felt sick, and […]
Bwandilo (Market Day)
Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Billy Makombola Whoever said “Mondays” are boring did not live in all corners of Malawi, especially some parts of Mzimba District. Here in my community, which is located in the southern part of Mzimba, Monday is always an exciting day of the week because it’s Bwandilo (Market day) at the […]
New Friends
Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Alinafe Chikombole “It is the friends we make along the way that help us appreciate the journey!” Going into my second month of volunteering I have learned to appreciate the social connections I have made this far. It can be hard to admit that you are feeling lonely away from […]
Tchombe Drink
Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Peter Mndalasini During one of my visits to my counterpart’s house, I found him with his pastor making a certain traditional drink. At first, I thought that they were making some tea since the drink had tea leaves and milk. Little did I know that this was not tea but […]
The Heroes of the Mkwachi Community
Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Redson Nyondo The Oxford Dictionary defines a hero as someone who is admired for their courage and outstanding achievements. Let me introduce to you one of the heroes of Mkwachi; my host mother, who is spearheading the introduction and establishment of Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups in Mkwachi. She […]
A Tip About Chewa Culture
Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Smart Banda Culture is something that defines a group of people. It covers religion, food, language, clothes that people wear and how they wear them, music and dances, marriages, funerals, and worship. Each group of people is known by its culture. Here in Malawi, we have Tumbuka, Chewa, Yao, Ngoni, […]
Know Your Song, the Art of Observing
Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Zione Maweru There is a Malawian proverb that says, “Ukaipa dziwa nyimbo.” This means, that when you are bad at something, know your song. This song is not one of the ordinary songs we sing, in the form of music; there is talent within it. So in short this proverb […]