About Us
TWESA is a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) working in Karonga District in northern Malawi. Established on 1st December 2015, TWESA aims to positively impact the community by promoting a healthy, educated, and gender-balanced society.
To achieve sustainable community development in Karonga, TWESA works in five key thematic areas:
Women and Youth Empowerment: Training in income-generating activities and encouraging participation in decision-making processes.
Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Tree planting, promotion of improved cooking stoves, briquette production from rice husks, organic farming techniques, and environmental awareness.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): Hygiene training, waste collection activities, construction of public toilets, and awareness of clean environment practices.
HIV/AIDS and Nutrition: Education and awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention and the importance of healthy nutrition.
Good Governance and Education: Supporting access to education for underprivileged children and managing pen-pal schemes to improve communication, cultural awareness, and language skills.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
Volunteering with TWESA offers an unforgettable experience, allowing you to engage in Malawian daily life, learn about the local culture, share your knowledge, and build meaningful connections with local communities.
You will be supporting a small grassroots organization run entirely by volunteers with limited international funding. Your time and contribution can make a real difference in the lives of some of the poorest communities in Malawi.
Volunteering with TWESA is also a great opportunity for personal growth. It helps build confidence, develop new skills, strengthen existing ones, and gain valuable experience that can enhance your CV and support future job opportunities.
When you apply to volunteer with TWESA, we aim to tailor a program that matches your skills and the organization’s needs. Please inform us in advance about any specific skills or interests so we can plan your activities accordingly.
Requirements
- Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own visas, travel insurance, and vaccinations. We recommend taking malaria tablets before arriving in Malawi.
- To prepare, teaching volunteers may research lesson activities, songs, and games in advance. Office volunteers are advised to bring a laptop, as only one is available.
- What to bring: personal medication, insurance details, insect repellent, sun cream, modest and light clothing, laptop/tablet, SIM-unlocked phone, toiletries, torch/flashlight, and ideally a solar lantern due to power cuts.
- Donations such as books, stationery, toys, sports equipment, laptops, cameras, and USB drives are highly appreciated.
- Visa: A passport valid for 6+ months is required. Volunteers should apply for a tourist visa. A single-entry visa (~$75) is valid for 30 days and can be extended up to 90 days in Karonga. Longer stays require a 6-month multiple-entry visa.
Volunteer experience
Volunteers generally work five days a week and have weekends off, although this schedule is flexible and may include occasional weekend activities. Every Monday morning, there is a team meeting at the TWESA office to share ideas and plan activities for the week. All volunteers are expected to attend. Volunteers are also added to the TWESA WhatsApp group to share updates, photos, and information.
For those with laptops or an interest in administrative work, grant writing, or blogging, mornings are usually spent in the office (approximately 8:30–12:30), followed by lunch. Afternoon activities vary depending on the day and program.
Volunteers with specific skills or experience may also request placements with local partner organizations outside TWESA.
€25 Per Day
- Most volunteers stay in homestay accommodation with a TWESA member or local family, offering a great opportunity to experience Malawian culture and build friendships. You will have your own room, but facilities are basic, including pit latrines and bucket showers.
- You will receive three meals a day prepared by the host family, usually consisting of local foods such as nsima, rice, vegetables, beans, meat, or fish. Volunteers may also help with cooking or share meals from their home country.
- Please inform us of any dietary requirements in advance. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be accommodated. Additional snacks and bottled water can be purchased locally.
- We also offer accommodation at our Community Resource Centre, with electricity, private rooms, and shared meals with TWESA members in a safe environment.
Meals are provided and included in the contribution fee. We provide breakfast, Lunch and supper.
Karonga is located near the northern shores of Lake Malawi, where you can swim, kayak, relax, or take a lake cruise in your free time. The town also has a museum showcasing prehistoric human discoveries, a dinosaur exhibit, and information about Malawian history and culture.
For further exploration, you may visit Livingstonia and hike in the scenic Nyika Plateau, or explore local mines if you are interested in mining activities. A weekend trip to Nkhata Bay is also possible, where you can go scuba diving in the lake. Vwaza Wildlife Reserve and National Park are accessible from Rumphi, offering wildlife viewing by vehicle or bushwalk for the more adventurous.
Alternatively, you can stay in Karonga to experience village life, enjoy Malawian music and dance, and learn traditional cooking. All additional activities must be arranged and paid for by volunteers, including travel, food, and accommodation.
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