Program Reviews

I recently completed a law and advocacy internship with Helping Your Community Forum (Hycf) in Mzuzu, Malawi, and it was an incredible experience that exceeded my expectations. From the moment I arrived at Lilongwe Airport, I was warmly welcomed by David, who hosted me throughout my stay. The drive to Karonga was breathtaking, with stunning scenery that gave me a glimpse into the beauty of Malawi.

During my internship, I had the privilege of working at a local law firm in partnership with Hycf, where I was mentored by the professional and knowledgeable lawyer, Christon. He guided me through various topics, and I had the opportunity to attend court sessions with him, gaining hands-on experience in the legal field. The entire team at the law firm was supportive and encouraging, making me feel like part of the family.

On weekends, I experienced the rich Malawian culture, exploring Nkhatabay and surrounding areas. The warm hospitality of the people and the beauty of the country left a lasting impression on me.

David's hospitality and expertise made my experience truly unforgettable. His passion for the work and his commitment to the community are inspiring, and I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from him.

If you're considering a law and advocacy internship with Hycf in Malawi, I highly recommend it. You'll gain valuable experience in the field, be immersed in the beautiful culture, and make lifelong connections. Thank you, David, Christon, and the entire Hycf team, for an unforgettable experience!

I recently had the privilege of volunteering with Helping Your Community Forum (HYCF) in Karonga, Malawi, and it was an experience I will never forget. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by David, my host, and the entire HYCF team.

The project involved constructing a resource center, which was an incredible opportunity to make a tangible impact on the local community. I was impressed by the organization's dedication to empowering the community and providing a safe space for learning and growth.

Throughout my time in Karonga, I was struck by the warmth and kindness of the people, the beauty of the landscape, and the resilience of the community. David's hospitality and guidance made me feel at home, and I appreciated his insight into the local culture and customs.

The volunteering experience itself was rewarding and challenging in equal measure. I worked alongside local builders, learning new skills and sharing my own expertise. Seeing the resource center take shape was a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit.

I would highly recommend volunteering with HYCF to anyone looking to make a positive impact and experience the beauty of Malawi. Thank you, David, and the entire HYCF team, for an unforgettable experience!

I recently completed a law and advocacy internship in Malawi, and it was an incredible experience! I had the privilege of staying with David and his family, who were wonderful hosts and made me feel right at home. The local food was delicious and diverse, and I enjoyed trying new dishes every day.

The internship itself was fantastic. I had the opportunity to work alongside experienced lawyers and learn from them. They were knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate about their work, and I gained a lot of valuable insights and skills from them.

In addition to the internship, I also had the chance to explore Malawi on weekends. We took trips to Mzuzu and other nearby places, and I was struck by the beauty and friendliness of the country. Malawi is a safe and welcoming place, and I always felt comfortable and at ease.

Overall, I would highly recommend this internship to anyone interested in law and advocacy. It was a fantastic experience that broadened my horizons, challenged me, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Thank you to David and his family for their hospitality, and to the lawyers and staff who mentored me during my time in Malawi!

I had never been to Africa before, but my experience working at the hospital in Mzuzu through HYCF (Helping Your Community Forum) was truly a life-changing adventure! It all started when a friend recommended David's organization and the internship opportunities they offered. I decided to take the leap and apply, reserving my spot for a 3-month internship.

From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the warm welcome and seamless transition into the hospital setting. David's organization provided comfortable accommodation for just 16 € per day, which covered three meals, electricity, and a shared or single room with other volunteers whom I met during my time- an incredible value!

During my internship, I had the opportunity to work in various departments, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in patient care and learning about the healthcare system in Malawi. The hospital staff were supportive and welcoming, and I was inspired by their dedication to providing quality care despite limited resources.

But it wasn't all work and no play! During weekends, we explored the beautiful Nyika National Park, going on safari and hiking adventures, and even relaxing by the lake. These experiences allowed us to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of Malawi.

David and his team were exceptional hosts, ensuring that we felt comfortable and supported throughout our stay. Their organization provided a well-structured and immersive experience that exceeded my expectations in every way.

This internship has had a profound impact on my medical career and personal growth. I left Malawi with:

- Unforgettable memories
- New skills and knowledge
- A deeper understanding of global healthcare challenges
- A renewed passion for medicine
- Lifelong friendships with fellow interns and hospital staff

If you're considering an internship in Africa, I highly recommend HYCF and the hospital in Mzuzu. David's organization provides a supportive and immersive experience that will leave a lasting impact.

Thank you, David and HYCF, for an unforgettable experience! Your dedication to community development and supporting international interns is truly inspiring.

As a medical student from the USA, I had the opportunity to travel to Malawi through Helping Your Community Forum (HYCF), David's organization, to participate in a medical internship at Karonga District Hospital. This experience was truly eye-opening and rewarding.

From the moment I arrived, David and his team made me feel welcome and supported. They ensured a smooth transition into the hospital setting, where I worked alongside local healthcare professionals to gain hands-on experience in patient care.

The internship was well-organized, and I was impressed by the dedication of the hospital staff despite limited resources. I was exposed to various cases, including tropical diseases and emergency situations, which broadened my medical knowledge and skills.

What struck me most was the warm hospitality of the Malawian people and the resilience of the community. Despite facing numerous challenges, they maintain a positive spirit and strong sense of community.
This internship has had a profound impact on my medical career and personal growth. I left Malawi with unforgettable memories, new skills, and a deeper understanding of global healthcare challenges. If you're passionate about medicine and cultural exchange, I highly recommend this program.
Thank you, David and HYCF, for an unforgettable experience! Your dedication to community development and supporting international interns is truly inspiring.

I had the privilege of traveling to Malawi to participate in the Community Development Internship with Helping Your Community Forum (HYCF). This experience was truly unique and transformative, thanks to the warm welcome and dedication of David, the CEO, and his team. From the moment I arrived, David and his team made me feel at home. Their enthusiasm and passion for community development were contagious, and I was inspired to contribute to the amazing work they do. As an intern, I was empowered to take on meaningful projects, such as education programs, water sanitation systems, and community engagement initiatives. What made this experience stand out was the genuine commitment to community-led initiatives and sustainable development. HYCF's approach is centered around empowering local communities, and I witnessed firsthand the positive impact of their work.

The team's dedication to creating a supportive environment was impressive. They provided comprehensive training, language classes, and cultural immersion, ensuring I was well-equipped to make a meaningful contribution. I was struck by the organization's grassroots approach, working closely with community members to identify and address their needs. This approach not only ensures the projects' success but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among the community.

Future participants should know that HYCF offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. Be prepared for a hands-on, immersive experience, working closely with the community. Embrace the language training and cultural exchange, as they are integral parts of the program. Be open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn from the community, and you will leave with unforgettable memories, new skills, and a deeper understanding of global issues.

This internship has had a profound impact on my life and career goals. I left Malawi with a newfound appreciation for community-led development and a sense of purpose. If you're passionate about community development and cultural exchange, I highly recommend this program. Merci David and HYCF for an unforgettable experience! Your dedication and passion are truly inspiring.

I had the privilege of volunteering in Mzuzu, Malawi through the Helping Your Community Forum(HYCF) and it was an incredible experience! I was warmly welcomed by David, the CEO of HYCF, who not only showed me around Malawi but also introduced me to the local culture and community. David's kindness, openness, and dedication to his work left a lasting impression on me. Through HYCF, I had the opportunity to work with a local law firm in Malawi and gained valuable insights into the country's legal system. I'm grateful for the experience and highly recommend HYCF to anyone looking to make a positive impact in Malawi. Thank you, David and HYCF, for an unforgettable experience!

It was very enjoyable being able to help out the local community while learning about the culture and society. The project that I worked on felt impactful for community. David is always helpful and is willing to help teach you new skills for your life. The family was also very kind and treated as if you were one of them. So it was very easy for a person to adjust to living in the new environment. I loved every moment I spent there and do not regret going there to work. If you get the chance to go I recommend you to do it.

Brad and I had an incredible experience working here for almost a month in September. David and the volunteers are a dedicated hardworking team with a big hearts and a big agenda! The programs they have, and hope to put into action are greatly needed by the community.

Our skills gave us the ability to help them move forward with the construction of their Community Resource Center/Office and garden. Resources and funds were limited but we were still able to accomplish a lot. Everyone was willing to jump in and help with pouring concrete for floors, digging a well and running to town for supplies. Lot's of laughter, playing games and getting to know the volunteers too.

Everyone in the village was so friendly and our hosts David provided nice accommodations and meals. We learned a lot about Malawi in our conversations and thoroughly enjoyed every minute spent with them, their family and friends. We wish we'd had time to help them with projects at their home too.
It was a rewarding adventure and hard to leave, but now we have new family half way around the world!

My time here in Karonga was very meaningful. I worked on a project to bring reusable menstrual pads to primary school girls. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to chat about my experience as I am happy to.

We worked in Mwenilondo, which is an area near Karonga, in order to donate pads to girls and teach students of all genders about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. We raised money for the project using the Gofundme website, by sharing the project with those we know. A Mother Group in Mwenilondo (group of mothers who support the community) learned how to sew reusable pads from a local trainer. The goal is for the Mother Group to earn money from making reusable pads when in the future other institutions may want to buy them. The pads they made during/right after the training were donated to menstruating girls at two primary schools in Mwenilondo, and local health experts gave students of both genders education about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. We also built a changing room for one primary school so that girls would have a place to change pads and handle their periods while at school (girls often miss school when on their periods due to lack of pads and lack of a private place to change).

Within my first few days in Malawi, David (CEO) and I sat down and brainstormed what my options were for things to work on. I recommend chatting with him before you go about what they need help with, what interests you have, and what specific things you can do while there. Funding is a challenge as mentioned in his profile, and the organization didn't have much money when I came because there were no active grants. There are many important things you can do that are low/no cost, like playing sports with kids or getting wood and building hospital benches. You can also raise money for a project which is what I did. David shared the idea of a reusable menstrual pads project that he had already thought of and written a plan for, and I decided that was what I wanted to work on. We then set up a Gofundme to raise money to complete the project; I made the gofundme and then took out money to use for the project via ATMs in Karonga (my account's USD converted to Mwk) . We had used the google exchange rate which was not ideal in retrospect, because we could have gotten more Malawian money if we used a bank transfer since the bank exchange rate was higher. Note that if you do raise money in your home currency, make sure to check whether you will instead get a better exchange rate using money transfers/bank transfers. We then used the funds to do all of the activities I mentioned in the previous paragraph.

David is very passionate about community development and it's inspiring to see. He was very helpful with coordinating the many actions we needed to take to do the project like scheduling school meetings, arranging construction materials transportation, buying materials, contacting health experts, and finding a reusable pads trainer. He was really dedicated to monitoring the project too, and would go in the mornings by himself to make sure things were going well with construction of the changing room. He helped move things along a lot. For members doing the project, it was mainly me, David, and another board member named Verah working on the project.

I was the only international volunteer for almost all of my time there, so I got lonely sometimes since I didn't find it easy to make friends on my own in the beginning - but it was possible and I did make a couple - ask David for advice about making friends if you need to. If you like to go out to do things by yourself, talk to David about what you may want to do and he can share whether he thinks it will be safe.

Open communication with David during your stay is important, talk through any successes or difficulties you're experiencing. You may encounter challenges and it's important to be vocal about what you need while also being respectful.

I stayed with David and his family and they were so kind to me, I can't thank them enough. David was so helpful with showing me around Karonga. His dad always gave thorough information about any questions I had. His mom was so loving and caring to me, she really treated me like a daughter. She and Patience, their cousin, made amazing food and we had fun talks and they made me smile so much.

HUGE thanks to David and his wonderful family! Malawi is amazing!