The Uje Umampha! (Be Well!) HIV support group

location
12 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

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

Highlights

  • Offering a comprehensive written programme for volunteers to deliver to the group over a 3 month period, ensuring development continuity & establishing strong personal relationships.
  • Fund raise to buy nutritious food and seeds for the group.
  • Establish business opportunities that generate income for the group to be sustainable and support others living in the community.
  • Spend your free time exploring the beautiful villages and the crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi at our non-profit lodge.
  • Explore and get involved in some of our other exciting and diverse projects during your free time!


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

This project provides vital support for people living with HIV to establish a peer support group, give education and counselling & provide business opportunities

Uje Umampha!(Be Well!) HIV Group:

The Live Well! programme has been running for 6 years and has developed greatly over those years by giving support, education, counselling, a food programme, qualifications and business opportunities that generate income to members of the community living with HIV.

The

About the program

Uje Umampha!(Be Well!) HIV Group:

The Live Well! programme has been running for 6 years and has developed greatly over those years by giving support, education, counselling, a food programme, qualifications and business opportunities that generate income to members of the community living with HIV.

There are some essential and necessary requirements for any volunteer joining this community project.  Most importantly volunteers need to be culturally sensitive, discreet, confidential and empathetic with all members of the group.  HIV/AIDS still holds stigma in Malawi.  All members of the group will have had a positive diagnosis and will all be on medication.  Volunteers need to have a mature and serious outlook to these vulnerable people, they need to have already researched and have accredited knowledge on HIV, its treatment and the impact on the individual victims and an understanding of peer support and of the nutritional benefits that a healthy diet can bring.

This project needs a 3 month commitment to ensure development continuity and establishment of strong personal relationships with the group.

The volunteers will need to previously fund raise £120 on top of their volunteer package.  This money will buy nutritious food and seeds for the group.  This provision is a real incentive to the 10 people who attend each course.

There is already a comprehensive written programme for volunteers to deliver to the group over 3 months, and in the Butterfly community room there is a lot of additional information on nutrition and recipes as well as simple gardening and permaculture techniques.  The programme includes a weekly question and answer session where volunteers can research and present information from the chosen questions each week. This is really important as the group meet with people back in their own village and share the information with them which is extremely helpful. On a rotational basis each member of the group takes home a food parcel of nutritional foods, which are sourced locally and they also receive a shopping list and shop for it in town.

It is good to leave the group with a small income generating idea and previous groups have established a massage business, a usipa (small fish) business, eggs and baby basket weaving with the group they worked with.  It can be useful for volunteers to have some small business ideas that their current group could set up after they leave.

You can come prepared with new recipes using nutritious local products, some gardening expertise and simple budgeting advice.

If you are ready for the three month commitment then as a volunteer you can supplement the existing programme by; 

  • Researching different ways to present information to the group, including role play, lectures or handouts.

  • Researching a potential income generation business idea and assist them in learning the skills required and implementing it.

  • Research and cook nutritional recipes using locally sourced or home grown ingredients that they are not used to cooking.  

  • Work with them to improve their existing income generators and help them develop more.  

There is a full job description available for further instruction and guidance for this role. It is a more complex but life changing volunteering opportunity.




Typical day

You will be expected to manage your own time and schedule for this project, as it requires volunteers who will be independence and use initiative.


The amount of time you put into this programme depends on your level of involvement and rapport with the group who you are working with, and your level of ...

Typical day

You will be expected to manage your own time and schedule for this project, as it requires volunteers who will be independence and use initiative.


The amount of time you put into this programme depends on your level of involvement and rapport with the group who you are working with, and your level of involvement improving their income generators and practising permaculture principles with the group in their villages.


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)

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

Volunteers need to have a mature and serious outlook to these vulnerable people, they need to have already researched and have accredited knowledge on HIV, its treatment and the impact on the individual

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Butterfly Space Malawi

• Dormitory Accommodation*

• Two meals in the restaurant included FOR THE 1ST MONTH ONLY (pay as you go afterwards, unless you decide to extend your food package)

• 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's volunteer package is a necessary cost to cover the running costs of the non-profit Butterfly Space lodge and the projects. Volunteers for this program are expected to cover their own travel expenses and running costs of the program, which should be fundraised for before hand.



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 project has an open start date.


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

Program fees

12 weeks 1,208€
Average fees 100€/week

Program fees

100€ per week 12 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

12 - 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

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 ...
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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  Below average response rate

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