• Good Health And Well-Being

E.A.R.T.H Workshops

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • Work directly in communities and help to directly impact villages to increase food security, improve nutrition, soil health and tackle deforestation.
  • Experience Malawian culture in one of the most beautiful regions, on the lakeshores of northern Malawi, while helping a program which will help to preserve it.
  • A fantastic opportunity to gain knowledge in regenerative agriculture, permaculture and reforestation projects.
  • Assist us in developing, researching and monitoring our tree planting projects.
  • Fundraise to make a direct impact which will increase our outreach to more villages, and plant more trees!

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Realistic, holistic approaches to directly impact villages to increase food security, improve nutrition, soil health & tackle deforestation- tree planting & agroforestry.

Our 'E.A.R.T.H Workshops' combine resources from Butterfly's Information Centre and the approaches learned from years of direct involvement in communities through hosting environmental workshops, women's groups and sharing information. They have been developed with realistic and holistic approaches ...

About the program

Our 'E.A.R.T.H Workshops' combine resources from Butterfly's Information Centre and the approaches learned from years of direct involvement in communities through hosting environmental workshops, women's groups and sharing information. They have been developed with realistic and holistic approaches to directly impact interested villages to increase food security, improve nutrition, soil health and tackle deforestation. They empower communities to independently work towards solutions and become more resilient the environmental issues they face day to day.

Our experienced community development outreach team deliver the workshops over 6 weeks, then continue weekly implementation and support visits for a further 6 weeks, followed by ongoing monthly, then quarterly support and monitoring visits.

Alongside this program, we run a tree nursery (based at Butterfly Space) for 20,000 indigenous and fruit tree seedlings, to plant in and around villages who participate in the workshops. 

Typical day

The E.A.R.T.H Workshops delivery ( May- December)

Tree nursey focus (December- April)

Project leaders- Holly Kift, Maxwell Ngwira. 

Volunteers can help Maxwell with preparation, delivery and documentation of the workshops, including financial documentation, social media, report writing and ...

Typical day

The E.A.R.T.H Workshops delivery ( May- December)

Tree nursey focus (December- April)

Project leaders- Holly Kift, Maxwell Ngwira. 

Volunteers can help Maxwell with preparation, delivery and documentation of the workshops, including financial documentation, social media, report writing and fundraising. The workshops run Mon- Friday, and are situated in villages. Volunteers are expected to cover transportation costs (motorbikes ($2-5) each way depending on how rural the village is situated. 

We will focus on 4 villages over a course of 3 months. The workshops include:

Introduction ‘The Seeds Of Change’, Movie showing. The film raises awareness and encourages debates on critical social economic issues at community level, including gender based violence, child education, the effects of climate change, deforestation, women empowerment and youth unemployment. Discussions will encourage the community to participate fully in the following workshops, which will teach people how to solve some of these issues.

Compost- A demonstration on how to make organic compost using free local materials which are found in villages. 

Soil Health & Mulching- A discussion and demonstration about soil health, how to protect soil and improve & build soil structure and fertility, and mulching demonstrations. This session will also include a discussion to promote the preparation to make fuel reducing cook stoves.

Mbeya Fertilizer- A demonstration on how to make organic based fertiliser. 

Fuel Reducing Cook Stoves- a demonstration to make at least 2 cook stoves in the village.

Agroforestry & Bamboo- discussion about the issues of deforestation, and the benefits of agroforestry. Indigenous/ fruit tree planting workshop- we will supply seeds for trees and plants using recycled materials, and instructions on how to grow certain types of trees.

Health & Nutrition A workshop about nutrition & health followed by a cooking demonstration using healthy additions which can be easily grown at home.


Regular visits and ongoing support is provided as part of the program, to build confidence, increase implementation rates and engage more people.

Free-time activities

Butterfly Space Lodge is beautifully situated under a canopy of mango trees, surrounded by lush permaculture gardens with a restaurant and bar. Butterfly Space is a 15 minute walk from the bustling ferry port and market town, which has a vibrant market, great night life handcrafted souvenir shops, ...

Free-time activities

Butterfly Space Lodge is beautifully situated under a canopy of mango trees, surrounded by lush permaculture gardens with a restaurant and bar. Butterfly Space is a 15 minute walk from the bustling ferry port and market town, which has a vibrant market, great night life handcrafted souvenir shops, restaurants and a warm and friendly feel! 

 

Across the bay is Aqua Africa who offer scuba diving and kayaking, Monkey Business  (on site at Butterfly) is a small Malawian business that offers kayaking and canoe trips, mountain biking and treks. The lodge has a lively bar and pool table, and hammocks overlooking the beautiful crystal clear Lake Malawi. Snorkels are available free of charge at reception for snorkelling. There are lots of beautiful coves and beaches to explore along the lake, and pretty villages that welcome warmly passers by. 

 

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (fluently)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Skills which can relate to: Environment, Agriculture, Biology, Permaculture, Agroforestry, Deforestation, Botanist, Fundraising, social media, marketing, project management are very useful to this program.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 16:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Butterfly Space Malawi

• Dormitory Accommodation*

• Two meals in the restaurant included FOR THE FIRST MONTH ONLY

• Orientation on projects and Nkhata Bay

*If people wish to stay in an individual chalet rather than the dormitory then there are upgrade options available.

Discounts can be discussed and provided for volunteers wishing to volunteer for longer than their initial month. The first month volunteer package is a necessary cost to cover the running costs of the non-profit Butterfly Space lodge and the projects. 

Accommodation

You will be placed in a 6 bed dorm, which overlook the lake. Dorm beds have mosquito nets, lockers, and are situated close to our eco friendly toilets and hot outdoor shower which overlooks lake Malawi. 

Upgrades to private chalets, and en-suite chalets are available upon request.

Food & Beverages

2 meals a day in the lodge restaurant for the 1st month only.

Mkana cafe, situated at Butterflty lodge is outsourced to create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs in our community. 

The meals are freshly prepared and there are many delicious menu options of local and international dishes, which cater for all dietary requirements.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Mzuzu

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Mzuzu (ZZU) in Mzuzu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Malawi. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Malawi provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Malawi you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Malawi. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

This is an ongoing voluntary role. 


Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 316€
4 weeks 631€
6 weeks 775€
8 weeks 920€
9 weeks 1,064€
12 weeks (max. stay) 1,208€
Average fees 129€/week

Program fees

129€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Butterfly Space Malawi during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

Butterfly Space Malawi

Outstanding 5 rating (11 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2011

Verified by Volunteer World

  Below average response rate

Coordinated by

Holly

About the project

Diverse socially responsible grassroot community projects; empower communities & make real impact. Our non-profit eco-lodge offers a unique & engaging experience to all.

Meet your organization

Butterfly Space passionately works directly with communities, to support diverse grassroot projects and initiatives both on and off site. With a focus on sustainable development, environment, and education, our goal is to empower and motivate communities to drive significant positive changes and make a long lasting impact. We are a UK registered charity and our projects target 15 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
You can see all of our ongoing projects on our website; butterflyspacemalawi.com.

Some of our projects include: a well established international standard primary and nursery school, a vocational training centre, community based libraries, IT, resource and media center, Permaculture after school clubs (in 22 schools), community outreach programs to deliver workshops based on sustainable and regenerative agriculture, tree planting projects, and empower and support community groups including disabled people, and women's groups.

Butterfly Space has hosted volunteers since 2011. We provide and encourage ethical volunteering and internships to respectfully work alongside and educate our community. There is an emphasis on exchanging knowledge and experience as projects are diverse and self-sustaining where possible and are staffed by local people who work alongside the volunteers.
“Our vision is to develop and support beneficial sustainable projects which empower those who benefit from them to govern, encourage and develop them, encouraging self advocacy, self development and motivation”

Volunteers can be matched with the projects they feel they are most passionate about and are encouraged to come with new ideas and make their mark. Volunteers will receive guidance and support both before they arrive and during their stay about the organisation, projects, travel advice, health and safety, and are welcomed to discuss, develop and implement their new ideas, fundraise and provide ongoing support. 

We run a non-profit eco-lodge, which also provides a hub for our community projects, while financially supporting them. Butterfly Lodge is open to travelers and volunteers, and offers amenities to make sure volunteers are comfortable during their stay and also...have fun! 
Accommodation rates start from >$10 per night plus food.

We do not charge a fee for volunteering. We try to encourage our projects to be community led and financially self sustaining. That said, fundraising before hand, and donations are always hugely appreciated and means more support to all projects, so we do encourage this!

We aim to provide a genuine, unique and affordable experience for people wanting to join our community and have an experience that supports our projects, while enjoying the beautiful location on the lake and the warm Malawian culture. 

All of our projects are located around the Nkhata Bay district and Butterfly Space lodge is used as a hub to plan, discuss and debrief after a days volunteering, as well as to relax, socialize with locals, travelers and other volunteers while enjoying the beautiful lake's crystal clear waters and the surrounding lush permaculture gardens. Nkhata Bay is a 15 minute walk, and a bustling ferry port and market town, rich in culture and beautifully nestled into a beautiful bay on the lake shore. It is lively both during the day and in the evening, and is a very welcoming and safe hub for volunteers to explore.

11 reviews · rating5

Judith Weymont rating5

2020 at E.A.R.T.H Workshops

Volunteering through Butterfly Lodge in Malawi has been a real treat,the people are great, the climate wonderful, the food good and the water safe to drink. Working with local people on the edge of Lake Malawi is a bit like working in paradise and its fun. I have spend time helping to train small ...
I volunteered at Butterfly Space, Nkhata Bay Malawi for a few months in December 2019 - March 2020. I was really attracted to the community focus and community feel of Butterfly Space and the lakeside location was an absolute bonus! Josie and AJ have worked tirelessly over the years to focus on ...
Imogen Steuart-Feilding rating5

2020 at Stepping Stones Primary, & Nursery School

Stepping Stones is a project run by Butterfly Space, in Nkhata Bay. There are almost 220 students in the school, coming from a range of socio-economic backgrounds. The school was set up a few years ago and it is now very established in the local area. I was helping to run the school in my ...
I visited Malawi in May 2019. I meet my friend in Nkhata Bay and we stayed in Butterfly Space. We had previously heard of this place through Instagram and really like everything we read about it. I volunteered in one of the nursery’s and I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to be back next year! ...
I volunteered at the Butterfly Space with my close friend Heather for around 5 weeks in the summer of 2019. We went into this experience a little nervous but very excited, and we had no idea how lucky we were to be able to become a part of the Butterfly family for the time we were there and long ...
Myself and my friend Erin came over to butterfly space as newly qualified physios, we divided our time between a few different projects including supreme (a social enterprise providing reusable sanitary products for school girls) and the local nursery school. Primarily we spent most of our visit ...

Location

Africa > Eastern Africa > Malawi > Nkhata Bay

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Contact Holly
  Below average response rate

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