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HYCF

Why choose HYCF ?

Volunteer in Malawi with HYCF– an Local non governmental organisation with international volunteer abroad programs based in karonga & Mzuzu HYCF provides safe, trusted and affordable programs, with a range of volunteer projects in Malawi , including Childcare • English Teaching & Medical opportunities and also Law & Legal internships.
HYCF have projects located in the northern city of Malawi the gateway to many of the country’s spectacular national parks. Our projects in Malawi run across the year and participants can join us from 2-24 weeks. Volunteers in Malawi are provided with an extensive pre-departure support service, airport pick-up, orientation, breakfast and dinner, accommodation and local support.

Reviews

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Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Working in the Midwifery Department, a truly unforgettable experience with HYCF in Malawi.

Spending 3 month working in the Midwifery Department at a hospital in Malawi through the HYCF organization was an experience I will never forget. The opportunity to learn and grow in such a hands-on, real world environment was invaluable. I gained so much practical knowledge and was able to improve my skills, all while making a difference in the lives of the patients.

A huge part of what made this experience special was my host, David. He went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, and his kindness and support made my time in Malawi even better. David is also an amazing driver! We traveled around Malawi together, and he made navigating the local roads feel easy and safe. Plus, it was a great way to see the country and get to know its rich culture.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to gain meaningful experience in healthcare, connect with amazing people, and explore a beautiful country, I highly recommend this program. It’s not just about the work it’s about the entire experience, and it’s one I will cherish forever.

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Grace
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience

I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with David’s organization in Malawi, alongside my 6 colleagues from the University. We were part of a law firm project, which focused on providing legal support and training to local communities, assisting with legal awareness, and helping people navigate important legal matters.

David was an exceptional host from the start. He picked us up from the airport and ensured our journey to Mzuzu was smooth and enjoyable. We truly appreciated how he made us feel welcomed and at home from the moment we arrived.

Throughout our time in Malawi, David went above and beyond to show us the beauty of the country. Every weekend, he took us on trips to explore the local culture, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. We got to see and experience a side of Malawi that most tourists don’t, it’s a memory we’ll always cherish.

The work itself was rewarding. We got to collaborate with local organizations, work on community outreach programs, and offer legal support to those who needed it most. It was inspiring to see how much impact our work could have, and we left feeling like we made a real difference.

A big thank you to David for making this an unforgettable experience!

Volunteers from Belgium

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Alexandria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My volunteer journey

Volunteering in Karonga, Malawi with my sister Sonia was a game changer. We laughed, we cried, and we grew together, working in the nursing department and immersing ourselves in the vibrant local culture and connecting with the warm hearted community was a truly humbling experience. We're so grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference, and we can't wait to share our stories and inspire others to spread love and kindness. Karonga, you'll forever be in our hearts!

To future participants, be prepared for:

A heartwarming welcome from the community
Challenging yet rewarding work in the hospital
Delicious local cuisine (nsima, anyone?)
Life changing experiences and unforgettable memories

Come with an open heart and mind, and be prepared to learn, grow, and fall in love with the beauty of Malawi!

Alexandria

What was your funniest moment?
David's mom taught us a traditional Malawian dance, but Sonia's moves were so goofy that we all ended up in stitches!
Pros
  • David is always there to help.
  • Very cooperative
  • Very organised
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Cien
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Transform Lives Through Volunteering

Programs like these truly highlight the transformative power of international volunteering. Thank you so much for this experience that I had with you guys.

What was your funniest moment?
One of my funniest moments as a volunteer happened during a language exchange activity with the children. While trying to teach them some basic English phrases, I accidentally mispronounced a Hindi word and turned it into something completely different—and hilariously nonsensical! The kids burst into laughter and started teasing me by repeating my 'new word' for days. It became our little inside joke, and it made the learning process even more fun and memorable for all of us. Those shared laughs created a bond I'll never forget."
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Calora
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Empowering women

My time in Malawi with HYCF was incredible. Coming from Argentina, I was eager to make a real difference, and I was able to do just that by raising funds and helping implement a project with workshops alongside this amazing local NGO. It was a great opportunity not only to contribute meaningfully to the community but also to immerse myself in the local culture and explore the beauty of Malawi. The experience was truly enriching, both professionally and personally. For anyone looking to make a lasting impact, I highly recommend HYCF.

The organization is doing important work, and I’m sure it will continue to grow and thrive!

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

David Ghambi

Job Title
Executive Director
David holds a degree in Social Work and is the founder of HYCF, a non-profit organization that collaborates with international volunteers to drive positive change and empower communities in Malawi. Through his work, he has made a significant impact in promoting social justice and supporting vulnerable populations. The organization offers volunteer opportunities and internships in various fields, including healthcare, where volunteers can gain hands-on experience in hospitals, legal internships with partner law firms, and education, where they can make a difference in the lives of young children by working with kindergarten schools.

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory from Malawi is actually from my trip to Mulanje Mountain, where I had the opportunity to hike to the summit and experience the breathtaking views.

As I climbed higher, the misty clouds surrounded me, and the sound of birdsong filled the air. The scenery was breathtaking, with rolling hills, waterfalls, and tea plantations stretching as far as the eye could see. But what made this experience truly unforgettable was the warmth and hospitality of the local guides and porters who accompanied me on the hike.

We shared stories, laughed, and sang together, creating a sense of connection and community that I'll always treasure. And when we finally reached the summit, the sense of accomplishment and wonder was overwhelming. It was a truly magical experience that I'll always carry with me.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since joining my current company, I have undergone significant personal and professional growth. Working with international volunteers has broadened my perspective and helped me become more culturally aware and empathetic. I have learned to appreciate diverse viewpoints and approaches, which has enhanced my ability to collaborate and communicate effectively.

Through our various projects, including internships in hospitals and law firms, community empowerment initiatives, and sports projects, I have developed a deeper understanding of the importance of community engagement and social responsibility. I have seen firsthand the impact that our projects have on individuals and communities, and this has instilled in me a sense of purpose and drive to continue making a positive difference.

Professionally, I have honed my skills in project management, leadership, and communication. I have learned to navigate complex situations, prioritize tasks, and delegate responsibilities effectively. I have also become more confident in my ability to mentor and guide others, which has been rewarding and fulfilling.

One of the most significant areas of growth for me has been in my ability to adapt and be flexible. Working with volunteers from diverse backgrounds and coordinating projects with various stakeholders has taught me to be resilient and think on my feet. I have learned to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth and learning.

Overall, my experience at this company has been transformative, and I feel grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow and develop as a professional and as a person. I am excited to continue learning and evolving in the years to come.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

One of the most inspiring stories I've heard from a return student was from a volunteer who had interned at our hospital project. She shared how she had worked closely with a local doctor to treat a young patient with a rare medical condition. Despite the challenges they faced, they were able to successfully treat the patient and see them recover.

What struck me most was when she said that the experience had not only deepened her passion for medicine but also given her a new perspective on the importance of cultural competence in healthcare. She realized that what she had learned in her home country wasn't always applicable in a different cultural context and that she needed to be adaptable and open-minded to provide the best care.

What I found particularly moving was when she shared how the experience had inspired her to pursue a career in global health and make a difference in underserved communities. It was heartwarming to see how our project had not only impacted the lives of the people she had worked with but also had a profound impact on her own life and career goals.

Stories like these remind me of the profound impact that our projects can have on both the communities we serve and the volunteers themselves. It's a testament to the power of cross-cultural exchange and the potential for growth and transformation that comes from working together to make a difference.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I could go on any program that our company offers, I would choose the Community Development and Sports Coaching program in Malawi. This program stands out to me because of its unique blend of community engagement, sports coaching, and cultural immersion.

I'm drawn to the opportunity to work alongside local coaches and community members to develop sports programs that promote youth development, health, and education. The chance to share my passion for sports while making a positive impact on young lives is incredibly exciting to me.

Additionally, I appreciate the program's focus on sustainable development and community-led initiatives, which aligns with our company's values and mission. I'm impressed by the program's emphasis on cultural exchange and language training, which would allow me to fully engage with the community and build meaningful relationships.

Malawi's warm and welcoming culture, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant communities make it an ideal destination for this program. I believe that this experience would be a life-changing opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while making a lasting impact in a beautiful and vibrant country.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Our company stands out from others in several ways, but what truly makes us unique is our commitment to cultural immersion and community-led initiatives. We believe in empowering local communities to drive positive change, rather than imposing external solutions. This approach not only yields more sustainable results but also fosters meaningful connections between our volunteers and the communities they serve.

One moment that stands out to me was when our team successfully implemented a water sanitation project in a rural Malawian village. What made this project exceptional was the collaborative effort between our volunteers, local leaders, and community members. Together, they designed and built a sustainable water system that has since improved the health and wellbeing of hundreds of villagers.

I was especially proud of my team for their dedication, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity throughout the project. They embraced the challenges of working in a resource-constrained environment and leveraged their diverse skills to find creative solutions. Seeing the impact of their hard work and witnessing the community's gratitude was truly humbling and inspiring. It was a testament to the power of collaboration and our team's unwavering commitment to making a positive difference.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is having a clear purpose and values that drive every aspect of the organization. When a company has a strong sense of purpose, it creates a shared vision and direction that inspires and motivates employees, customers, and stakeholders alike.

Our company's purpose is to empower communities and make a positive impact on people's lives. This purpose is embedded in our DNA and guides our decision-making, from the programs we develop to the partnerships we form. It's what drives us to innovate, take risks, and continuously improve.

Additionally, I believe that a successful company must prioritize its people and culture. By fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment, we empower our team members to grow, learn, and thrive. This, in turn, enables us to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers and stakeholders.

Ultimately, a successful company is one that stays true to its purpose, values its people, and continuously adapts and innovates to make a meaningful difference in the world.