Description

Volunteer Role

This program is suitable for both qualified and non qualified volunteers. It is also ideal for medical students wishing to gain experience in this field.

This program consists of many different project areas which involve a variety of volunteer roles. They are as follows:

Home Based Care

Putting together lessons on home based care activities such as: HIV/AIDS, malaria prevention, personal hygiene, drug administration, recording information, first aid, wound care, bed bathing, infection prevention, sexual health awareness, nutrition and digestion, TB and rehabilitation.
Possibly helping to set up a new Home Based Care program in another village.

Malaria Project

Assist with malaria prevention techniques to help minimize the epidemic and protect the local communities against the mosquito transmitted disease, such as manufacturing specially custom designed mosquito nets and spraying interior walls of buildings with mosquito repellent.
Conducting malaria prevention research and education lessons to the local community.

Field Dressing Clinic

This is an afternoon activity held at the dressing clinic, and involves cleaning wounds, dressing/ bandaging wounds and making referrals to hospital if further treatment such as antibiotics are required.

Local Orphan Center

* Suited to any volunteer, though recommended to those with little or no previous experience.
* Get involved with preschool teaching to prepare the children for their education ahead.
* Help with feeding each day.
* Teaching the importance of health and nutrition and HIV/AIDS prevention.
* During the afternoon, there is the opportunity to develop some sport activities and games with the children.

HIV/ AIDS awareness

* Health talks in the communities.
* Drama workshops on HIV/AIDS.
* Home-based care support programs.

Local community hospital and clinic

This option is suited to volunteers with previous medical experience as you will be assisting medics to provide primary health care to patients.

There is also work for non-qualified volunteers. This will involve shadowing local doctors, helping with admin duties or data entry for patients.

For all projects it is important to remain flexible in your attitude and work ethic and be prepared to help in any of the areas that are developing and use your initiative to instigate new project areas with the advice of project staff. Thus we do ask that you arrive with an open mind, positive attitude and strong work ethic in order to utilize your time best and in a way that leaves behind a lasting impression of your time and the volunteer project in Malawi. Itineraries and activities are subject to change.

Highlights

Spend your time volunteering in many different project areas from field dressing clinics to local orphanages on this medical program. You can also assist the varied work of the Home Based Care team, which provides aid to the local community at the southern end of Lake Malawi.

Qualifications

Program Requirements

This project is suitable for both qualified and non qualified volunteers. It is also ideal for medical students wishing to gain experience in the field.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

from USD 1,869.00

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• Food
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support

Program Fees Include:

What's Included in the Program

* Project Fee: this entails financing that goes directly back into the project you are involved with. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as building materials, equipment, supplies, foodstuffs etc.
* Airport transfers to and from Lilongwe International Airport
* Orientation on arrival
* All accommodation during your stay at shared volunteer house
* Full support and assistance from your coordinator throughout your time in Malawi
* Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
* 24-hour support number and contact for emergencies

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

Minimum 17 years, maximum depends on potential participants' health

This Program is open to

American, European, Canadian, Australian, South African, Kiwi, Worldwide and Asian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement

We offer over 250 projects and travel options in over 35 countries. So whether you are interested in volunteering, community work, conservation, paid work overseas, teaching English, learning a new skill, adventure travel or sports and expeditions, you will find what you are looking for with Real Gap. Not only about we passionate about responsible travel, we also want to make sure you have a good time too! Our travel advisers have traversed the globe and taken their own gap years, so they can give you all the advice you need to plan yours. You will also get support from both our on-site and office staff who understand the needs and expectations of Real Gap travelers.

Year Founded

2005