On her return Lindsey said “many thanks for your words of support whilst we were away - you've probably guessed that I absolutely loved every minute of the experience and am having waves of longing to be back there followed by waves of loving being home - weird feeling!”

Kate, also a trainee teacher travelled with Lindsey: “We were very well supported by George prior to our trip, then subsequently by Vince and Alexa upon arrival. We were housed very comfortably in beautiful surroundings, with just a 15 minute walk to the school. The school was welcoming, the children are so willing to learn, very respectful and responsive. There is a huge lack of resources although St James is well equipped compared to other local schools. We supported the school in setting up a library system, appointing librarians and recyling officers, as well as making space for a staff room and spending time in the classrooms with the children (or learners as they are called at St James's). The children loved learning new English songs and we all had so much fun learning their songs and dances, which they are very proud of.



The classes have a large range of ages as pupils may miss school to help out at home. Classes are therefore arranged by standards not ages. With the higher standards we were able to take some global citizenship lessons and, although a slight language barrier, the lessons were successful and rewarding.

I shall always remember the experience. It was so rewarding as well as challenging. We also had the opportunity to see some of the country at weekends which is so beautiful with so much to offer. I would not hesitate to recommend volunteering for the Krizevac project, you are so well supported and come away with personal fulfilment and an experience of a lifetime.”

Paula Hodson volunteered along with three colleagues, all education and early years specialists in May 2009.

"The time I spent in Chilomoni is one of the highlights of my life. I loved the friendliness of the people, the smell of the charcoal burning and the beautiful hills in the distance. I can't hear the phrase 'How are you?' without thinking of the children calling it out on our way to the school and I can't see a pair of flip-flops without thinking of the boy wearing one black flip - flop and one red one - of different sizes.

I was inspired by the dedication of Malawians, such as Alfred Chirombo, (the head teacher at St Joseph's), who were working to improve the lives of children under what we would describe in England as impossible conditions. I hope that we helped the teachers to feel valued for the work they were doing. I learned much from working with the teachers in the school and fellow volunteers from Staffordshire, -including seeing the influence of different perspectives and core values on the way learning tasks were presented.

I have returned to England far more reflective about the challenges o helping a nation to develop and, indeed, far more reflective about the way I do my own job".


Please enquire online if you wish to become a UK volunteer

Click Here to see some candid pictures taken in Malawi