Stepping Stones Primary, & Nursery School

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • 50% fee paying and 50% scholarship ensures a diverse student body & educational opportunities for those who would not normally have access to a high standard of education.
  • Our school is expanding, and we always need volunteers to help us in many ways: teacher training, English practice, additional support for students, sports, arts and crafts, IT support and more!
  • You can also get involved in supporting the wider community, at our community library and IT centre, study clubs with solar lighting, & a mixture of engaging & hands on vocational training courses.
  • We also run a thriving nursery school class of 30. Many of these children come from homes of deprivation, some orphaned, but all will benefit from our interactive and inclusive nursery school!
  • Did you know that primary school & early years education is recognised as a primary factor in reducing poverty, helping to advance economic and agricultural productivity for developing countries?


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

A thriving & inclusive nursery, primary, vocational centre, community library, IT & resource centre. This inspiring school provides a space for all ages & abilities.

Opened in 2016, Stepping Stones International Primary School is unique in Nkhata Bay and is based on a belief in the diverse talents of each child and we expect hard work, kindness, and excellence from them in return. Stepping Stones provides rigorous academic training, a high standard of education ...

About the program

Opened in 2016, Stepping Stones International Primary School is unique in Nkhata Bay and is based on a belief in the diverse talents of each child and we expect hard work, kindness, and excellence from them in return. Stepping Stones provides rigorous academic training, a high standard of education and culturally responsive programming. Children from disadvantaged circumstances learn alongside more economically privileged peers, and learn together with the support of our international volunteers and talented Malawian teachers. The curriculum is a combined English and Malawian, and reflects principles of a holistic education: art, sport, music, drama, agriculture, field trips, community involvement, etc.
The student body at Stepping Stones is half fee paying and half non-fee paying or sponsored students. In other words, for every fee paying or sponsored child, a spot opens up for a child who cannot afford fees and would not have the opportunity otherwise. The free places are based on need, results, and family background. We also provide free daily lunches to our free students, sometimes their only good nutritious meal of the day.

Supporting Stepping Stones can be expressed in different ways. Firstly, we are in great need of qualified teachers to offer trainings to our local teachers and to support progressive education. But any volunteer at the school can help learners with English literacy and reading, teach them their talents or inspire them through their personal background. Stepping Stones promotes uniqueness and welcomes open minded thinking. We are certain you have something special that our students would benefit.

Secondly, by sponsoring a student, you allow us to continue assisting our community by accepting more free learners. Sponsoring can range from school fees to daily lunches, to school supply or clothes.

Thirdly, even as a sustainable charity school, we depend on donations to make us different from other schools. We need the support from donator to grow, to build new blocks or to acquire new materials. Fundraising for the school is always appreciated.


Typical day

We wake up early, at around 6.00am and meet in the restaurant at Butterfly Space's communal table and enjoy breakfast and wait for the school bus to arrive at 7am.


We collect the children from various locations along the way, sing songs and play games until we get to school.

Throughout the day, we ...

Typical day

We wake up early, at around 6.00am and meet in the restaurant at Butterfly Space's communal table and enjoy breakfast and wait for the school bus to arrive at 7am.


We collect the children from various locations along the way, sing songs and play games until we get to school.

Throughout the day, we take part in lessons, assisting the teachers, providing extra support for the children, and adding our own spirit to the room through songs, games and play.

If we choose, we assist in the preparation of a healthy balanced meal, and take a look around the gardens at the fresh fruit and veg growing around the school for dinner time. We play with the children, and help with any extra tasks that have been set for the day. 

In the afternoon, we all head home, dropping off the children on the school bus along the way. We have the option to volunteer at the youth club which is on-site at the lodge, or relax by the lake at the bar with a freshly squeezed juice or a cocktail.


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 (intermediate level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV or proof of education

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

Spoken English is useful in this role. We welcome all skills and skill levels, as we have a diverse range of opportunities that can be tailored to each individual.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 15:00

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

Flexible. 


Although school is closed for during the summer holidays (Aug), there are plenty of volunteering opportunities in the youth club, engaging with the children in educational and fun activities. There are also maintenance and organisational tasks which need completing while the school is closed. 


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

Program fees

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

Program fees

129€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 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

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 ...
Volunteering at Stepping Stones Primary school through Butterfly Space I volunteered at Butterfly Space after hearing about it through a friend who had recently visited. I helped out at Stepping Stones helping with English practice, assisting the local teachers in class, planning games and arts ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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! ...

Location

Africa > Eastern Africa > Malawi > Nkhata Bay

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