Program Name: Volunteer Abroad - Orphanage Assistance in Malawi with MICATZ
Organization: Maasai International Challenge Africa (MICATZ)
About MICATZ: MICA is a non-profit organization which is located in Arusha, Tanzania and managed by volunteers from all over the world. MICA specializes in providing volunteer abroad programs in developing countries in Africa and Asia! MICA organizes international programs for students, groups, individuals, and virtually anyone interested in going abroad and making a difference.
MICA offers a wide range of affordable and unique projects such as teaching English abroad, working at orphanages, healthcare and medical internships overseas, community development projects, women assistance programs, as well as conservation volunteer programs.
Highlights: Due to the widespread prevalence of AIDS, Malawi is home to an estimated one million orphans. Most of the orphans inhabit urban areas, such as Blantyre, Malawi's second largest city. In response, many communities and organizations have opened orphanages around the city to help care for them. The orphanages also house many children who are not orphans, but for whatever reason their parents are unable to support and care for them.
Most of Malawi's orphanages are run by its communities, and are supported by the local elders. Some orphanages are run by nonprofit organizations or individuals and enjoy stable funding. The community orphanages are not nearly as fortunate, however; perpetually lack of funding leads to a severe staff shortage (most of the staff are volunteers), as well as an inability to purchase anything beyond basic necessities, such as educational materials.
If you choose to volunteer abroad in Malawi's orphanages, you will be making a difference not only by providing assistance and caring for children, but also by bringing your knowledge and enthusiasm to teach the children and give them much-needed attention. At the orphanage, you will work with the existing staff to help feed and dress the children, take care of basic chores such as washing clothes or dishes, and also take the time to play with the children and teach them English. Individuals in the volunteer abroad program provide a lot of basic care, but also provide some education and organize fun activities for the children. If you would like to work in the orphanage's office to help make the orphanage run more efficiently, you have that option as well. You may also be asked to attend meetings on occasion.
Volunteers in the orphanages typically work for about 5-6 hours per day, five days a week. Weekends are left open for volunteers to relax, travel around the country, and whatever else they would like.
