Information about your stay with the MVO

Your Stay at MVO

Throughout your stay in Malawi you will have the support and guidance of the Malawian project team. They will provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. The volunteer house staff will be on hand throughout the day and the project coordinator lives on site. Entertainment in the house is pretty much limited to what you can do for yourself, there are board games, cards and music. There is usually limited internet access however there is no Television available. The beach is at the back gate of the house; here you can swim, exercise, laze in the sun or meet with the locals - the kids on the beach are always happy to have a laugh, kick a football or listen to your stories.

Orientation

On your first full day in Monkey Bay you will be given an orientation by the project coordinator. The orientation will include:

• An introduction to Malawian culture and values
• Basic local language lessons
• Your health and safety whilst in Malawi
• Workplace ethics
• Money and transportation in Malawi
• An introduction to the area, the projects and the staff
• Information on places to visit in your free time
• An excursion to the local town

Important to note:

It is highly recommended that you arrange to visit at a time when other volunteers will be on site or perhaps arrange to come with a group of friends or volunteers. Doing this will also reduce the cost of weekend activities as transport costs can be shared. It would also be a good idea to liaise with the other medical volunteers to devise a suitable timetable for your working week, to allow you time to each work in the specific areas of your choice during the programme.

Accommodation and Meals

You will share stay in the comfortable volunteer house, which is within walking or cycling distance of the community clinics and a short drive from the community hospital. The house is situated right on the beach of Lake Malawi about 7km south of Monkey Bay Town, so you can sit and gaze out over the waters. The property is fenced and gated and has a large green garden.

Rooms in the house range from twin share to dormitory style and there is running water, a shower and western style toilets. Please be aware that whilst electricity and water are fairly reliable, power cuts and water shortages may be experienced from time to time. There are staff at the house, including a cook, house keeper (although volunteers are also expected to do their bit to keep the house clean and tidy) and night watchman for your security.

Three meals per day are provided. Breakfast is usually on a self-service basis, consisting of cereals and toast, although the cook may treat you occasionally. Lunch will either be a packed lunch, or self-service if you plan to return to the house at lunchtime. The cook will prepare the evening meal for you.

Note: There is a fridge at the house, which is used to store the food for your meals each day and some additional drinks, which you can purchase from the staff. If you do wish to buy some of your own food/snacks and drinks it is OK to do so, although you must be aware these items cannot be stored in the communal fridge.

Rates

We appreciate that flights to Malawi are expensive and we greatly value your time and effort to come and volunteer with us. As such we have discounted the rates of accommodation and food as well as transport as much as possible:

• Meet and greet at Lilongwe International Airport and transport the 220 Km to Volunteer House – US$ 150 (shared between number of volunteers on trip)
• Accommodation – Double, Twin Sharing – US$ 15 person/night, Dorm sharing – US$ person/night
• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner – you can budget for US$ 10 all-inclusive per day
• Project Transport – US$ 10 per day shared by number of volunteers
• Project Contribution – Minimum US$ 150. See Projects

Included

•  Orientation on arrival
• Full support and assistance from your coordinator throughout your time in Malawi

Not included

• All flights &/or other travel costs to and within Malawi
• Comprehensive travel insurance (cover for the duration of your stay is essential)
• Airport Transfers if arriving outside of the specified dates (US$150 per person, one way)
• Any extra nights of accommodation at the volunteer house are at the rate of US$15 person/night
• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Email/Internet (very limited) and telephone calls
• Soft drinks, beer, wines and spirits
• Public transport to and from the community hospital when necessary (when project vehicle is not available or in for repairs etc.)
•  Any excursions over and above your project itinerary in Malawi.