Habitat Malawi - Madisi

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Join this Global Village team helping build safe and decent shelter for vulnerable populations in Malawi

October 12th - 21st, 2019

This team will work with local masons and volunteers to build simple, decent housing with families in Malawi. We will also have opportunities to build relationships and make friends in another culture, and experience life in a traditional Malawian village whilst supporting a family through a 'hand up'.

 

Habitat for Humanity in Malawi

Described as the “Warm Heart Of Africa”, Malawi is among the world's least-developed countries. 78% of houses in Malawi are characterized as sub-standard and unsafe housing conditions with mud floors, thatched roofs, poor ventilation and no windows or secure doors. Such housing is conducive to the spread of diseases like respiratory and gastro-intestinal infections, particularly among children under five years of age and those with HIV- weakened immune systems. Habitat for Humanity Malawi Global Village builds support Orphans and Vulnerable Groups, especially those effected by the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic by providing a 'hand up' for a fresh start towards a healthier future. 

The housing need in Malawi

In Malawi, poverty is prevalent and about 4 out of 5 families in Malawi live in sub-standard homes. A typical village hut is built of mud bricks with a dirt floor and grass thatched roof, which requires frequent repairs. Strong winds during rainy season frequently damage these, leaving holes that let the rain in. These conditions put families at high risk of illness. There are about 1.5 million orphans and vulnerable children in Malawi out of a population of 17.3 million and approximately 21,000 new units are needed every year for the next 10 years to meet housing demand – this far exceeds supply. As well as impacting the health of those living in sub-standard housing, these conditions also impact the opportunity to participate in schooling, training or employment,

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How Habitat addresses the need in Malawi

Habitat Malawi provides new fully subsidized homes for orphans and other vulnerable groups. Habitat Malawi also provides Housing Support Services (HSS) to low-income people in partnership with housing microfinance institutions and provides training in bricklaying and carpentry to young people as part of a livelihoods project. Habitat Malawi strives to enhance the resilience of vulnerable households living in flood-prone areas by supporting and enabling them to have permanent, durable and flood resistant shelter. In addition, Habitat Malawi are also working to provide safe homes for people living with disabilities and their carers. 

Itinerary

Accommodations

Teams will stay in lodgings that are basic, safe and clean.  Rooms will be shared, and may include a private bathroom. They will have running water and electricity, although power cuts are common in Sub-Saharan Africa. Towels and bedding will be provided.

Habitat Individual Donation

*Please note - R&R cost is preliminary, and subject to change. 

(1) The Habitat individual donation covers all costs associated with hosting volunteers on the project site as well as support the project and programs of the local HFH organization: room and board, ground transportation to and from build site, orientation materials, traveler's medical insurance, and a donation to Habitat Malawi and to Habitat for Humanity Canada Global Village programs. Habitat for Humanity Canada will issue a charitable donation tax receipt for this individual donation.

(2) Participants will need to independently arrange and pay for air transportation from their point of departure to Lilongwe, Malawi. This must only be done once project dates and final project have been confirmed by the Team Leader. Habitat for Humanity Canada will issue a charitable donation tax receipt for the eligible airfare.

(3)  The costs of any Team post-build activities are not eligible for a tax receipt and are not paid to Habitat for Humanity Canada.

Should volunteers need assistance with booking flights or rest day activities, insurance or other services they may be interested in, the Team Leader will provide a list of travel agents registered with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario.

Team Leader

Hi we are Bob and Joan! We have participated in numerous international builds with Global Village including 9 as team leaders recently to Fiji and Guatemala, and we are really excited about this opportunity to build in Malawi. HFH builds are terrific opportunities to help others while learning about the local culture and working with great people.

Please consider joining us for this build. No construction experience is necessary. If you are looking for an adventure that gives you an opportunity to make a positive change in someone’s life and are willing to be flexible, you will have an amazing experience. Please feel free to contact us at dipnet@shaw.ca  if you would like to learn more about this trip or apply now using our on-line application.