Affordable Volunteering with Love Support Unite

In Summer 2012 I met Alice and Nina at Strummer of Love festival, and they told me about all the work they had been doing in Malawi. I fell in love with these two from the moment I met them; their passion for positive change combined with boundless energy and a hell of a lot of smiles meant that I couldn't wait to get out there and see what I could do to help.

Having already met the two girls, I knew the experience would be incredible, but I had no idea just how much impact it would have in my life.

I spent almost 3 months spending time with the girls at Tilinanu Orphanage and the community around, and I've never met so many beautiful souls in all my life, and doubt I will again.

I was, of course, very nervous on my arrival in Malawi, having only met Alice and Nina a few weeks previously. However, the welcome that I received in Mabuya camp was wonderful; within the first week, I already felt part of the family and had met friends for life.

The affordability and honesty of this program never ceased to amaze me; I raised as much money as I could before I left and I was able to spend it in whichever way I wanted; there were no hidden admin costs and I knew exactly where my money was going.

This programme and these people changed my life, and I will always be grateful for that. I cannot wait to return to Malawi to see how the programme has progressed and to do more and more and more for them.

This programme makes volunteering a fun, happy and rewarding process, and I do and will continue to suggest it to everyone I know.

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My time at Tilinanu orphanage with LSU was without doubt the most eye opening, interesting, amazing 6 weeks of my life!

I spent time working within the orphange itself getting to know the beautiful girls and learning about all their individual lives and ambitions and helping to teaching them the skills they needed to achieve their goals. The way in which the LSU team has identified each girl as an individual with particular needs and not just as a collective group of orphans is something I could not find in any other charity!

The team worked as hard as possible to ensure that the goals and experiences I wanted to achieve in Malawi were made possible, giving me huge influence over the project I wanted to create, having the ability to create Change with your time and money was a special experience, and even in the short time I was there I saw how the things I was doing had made a difference to the girls at Tilinanu .

Malawi is a beautiful country, full of beautiful friendly people, I have never felt so welcome and safe! Staying at Mabuya camp enabled me to make some amazing friends and have some amazing experiences that I know I will be close to forever!!

I miss it everyday!

I spent 2 weeks out in Malawi with LSU. In that time I achieved my goals and had the best time doing so!

I was great to get to know Lilongwe (where LSU is based) and we had a fab trip the lake at the weekend. It was such a good experience and I met some incredible people. I would LOVE to go back.

Alice and Nina are wonderful and make you feel at very home.... they will jam your trip full of a whole lot of fun.

LSU are more than just a charity; they are a family network to their volunteers and the communities that they are working with. The work that they carry out in Malawi is long term and sustainable and not just a quick fix to problems that could arise again without continued support, (which is often the case of other charities).

The knowledge the girls have of Malawi as well as the community projects they work on is second to none and they are great at matching volunteers skills in a huge variety of ways. This means that not only will the work you do out there really make a difference but you can also get fully involved in something that you are great at, feel passionate about or just want to learn more about.

I feel like a part of my heart will always be left in Malawi and the people out there, with memories that will be treasured forever. Its a beautiful country with lots of places to see and explore on your well earned days off.

My volunteering experience with LSU was life changing! I was able to use my skills as a massage therapist and baby massage teacher to teach and train local women and carers to use massage and touch to improve wellbeing and generate income. LSU were amazing at helping to establish the whole project and reach those who needed the training and support. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The accommodation was great and I made tons of friends from the trip. The whole trip was completely inspiring and I now have an ongoing project in Malawi with LSU. I have returned to continue my work. I feel so lucky and grateful to have found such a caring and pro active charity and volunteering program.

This is by far the most exhilarating experience of my life, it has changed the way I look at life, for the better.

Working with Alice and Nina was incredible. I haven't worked with anybody so hard working, dedicated, enthusiastic and helpful in my life. If you have any problems they go that bit further to help you out in whatever way possible and I really appreciated that. I think it is fair to say I found it difficult to adjust to my surroundings to start with, Alice and Nina gave me a different project to work on and I think I came into my own after that.

I am 30 years old and I volunteered in Lilongwe last October 2013. I helped teach Art and worked on various building projects. I volunteered for one month and ended up staying there for six months in total, I loved it that much! I am considering moving back there in the future. If I had the opportunity to do it again tomorrow I would be on the first flight back.

Malawian people are so friendly and welcoming, I don't think I went one day without saying hello to at least five strangers. Its true what they say Malawi is the 'warm heart of Africa'. I would recommend trying to learn some Chichewa, they really appreciate you speaking some of there language, even if it is just Mulibwanji - Which means how are you.

On my volunteering I stayed in Mabuya camp back packers hostel for one month. They have a nice chilled out bar and a swimming pool to chill after a day under the hot sun. You meet lots of different people travelling from all round the world. Its interesting to talk with them to see what they are doing and vice versa.

I could keep writing about my experience all day but I will just finish with go and experience this amazing place for yourself!!! I would highly recommend it.

IT WAS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE AND I WILL NEVER FORGET IT!
Gary X

I literally had the most incredible time volunteering with LSU. The experience changed my life and opened my eyes up to just how far your money can go to create positive change in a country that desperatley needs it. It was so nice to know that every single penny I'd raised could go to the project I wanted it to go on, and the time the lsu girls spent with all of us helping to figure out where the donations would best be spent was definitley appreciated! this company is like no other, i have volunteered with other organisations and left feeling disheartened about the experience, but not with lsu. They really think about every bit of your journey, from what donations could be spent on to making sure you have a great time and see the best parts of the country. They have put in the time and effort to make sure that all their volunteers come away feeling great and wanting to go back and do it all again! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

LSU have a long history with Malawi and a strong connection with it's people, which shows in the powerful and positive changes they have made through their outreach programmes. They are one of the few organisations that are really dedicated to what they are doing, and see it as a means to helping others rather than creating a big business for themselves. I really felt as though I was doing something important, and that they projects were very well organised and structured. They don't just put your money into any programme, it will be something that is sustainable and will really benefit the people who need it most in Malawi. The foundation asks the communities what will be really beneficial and they work side by side which I feel is something a lot of organisations do not do. They have friends all over the country, you will feel so safe and they will take you to the best spots at the Lake which is honestly a secret paradise - overall it is an unforgettable experience and I am already planning my next trip out there!