Location
  • Malawi
Length
8 to 13 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
20
Age Max
60
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Apartment Host Family Tent
Groups
Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Family Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
16
Price Details
This includes 3 meals per day, (breakfast, lunch, and supper) water, electricity, and accommodation in a secure environment in a walled compound with security and a shared room.
What's Included
Accommodation
What's Not Included
Accommodation Airport Transfers Meals
Jul 31, 2024
Sep 15, 2024
2 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Law & Advocate Intern in Malawi duties: Assist lawyers, conduct legal research, participate in community outreach, collaborate with local organizations, conduct fieldwork, develop community engagement strategies, support marginalized communities, conduct legal clinics, assist with advocacy campaigns, and network with local professionals.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • - Gain practical experience in law and human rights work in Malawi
  • Work alongside passionate lawyers and staff at a well-established law firm
  • Participate in community outreach and awareness programs
  • Collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders
  • Enhance knowledge and skills through workshops, training sessions, and conferences

Program Impact

Your placement will typically involve several elements.
You might be producing information resources, such as research reports or consulting with clients, handling case work and writing up legal opinions on these cases, or visiting court to observe different proceedings. At other times you might visit community groups, schools, or shelters to carry out

Workshops on specific human rights aspects. There is plenty for you to become involved with and you will definitely be kept busy!
Your legal experience will determine the level of legal work you will be involved in and some of the more important, complex legal work may be reserved for those who have legal experience. It is also important that you have a good level of English to participate in this project. Strong English skills are especially relevant if you wish to work with the legal services. You will be representing a professional organization and you may sometimes have deadlines to meet.

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Program Reviews

4.83 Rating
based on 6 reviews
  • 5 rating 83.33%
  • 4 rating 16.67%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.7
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.85
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Default avatar
Jacob
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Law Internship at HYCF, Malawi

My name is Jacob, and I had the privilege of volunteering as a law intern with HYCF in Malawi. The experience was nothing short of amazing, both in terms of professional growth and personal enrichment.

Working with HYCF allowed me to gain invaluable insights into legal practices in Malawi while making meaningful contributions to the community. The organization is deeply committed to justice, and I felt honored to be part of such important work.

Outside of my internship, I was fortunate to explore the beauty of Malawi, often referred to as the "Warm Heart of Africa." With the help of David, my incredible host, I discovered the country's breathtaking landscapes, including Mount Mulanje, the highest mountain in Malawi, and the stunning Lake Malawi. I also had the opportunity to try local foods, immersing myself in the culture.

David was an outstanding host, ensuring I felt welcome and helping me experience the best of what Malawi has to offer. I highly recommend this internship to anyone eager to grow in the legal field while also exploring the vibrant culture and beauty of Malawi. It truly was an unforgettable experience.

What was your funniest moment?
One of the funniest moments during my time as a volunteer was when I tried to greet people in Chichewa, the local language. I meant to say "Muli bwanji?" (How are you?), but I accidentally said something completely different. Instead of asking how they were, I blurted out a phrase that made no sense at all. The locals burst out laughing, and we all had a good laugh together. They were so kind about it and helped me get the hang of it, but I’ll never forget their amused faces! It was a great icebreaker and showed me just how friendly and welcoming everyone in Malawi is.
10 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mickness
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Rewarding Law & Advocacy Internship in Malawi with Hycf!

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!

What was your funniest moment?
During my internship, I was tasked with drafting a legal document in Chichewa, one of Malawi's local languages. I struggled to grasp the nuances of the language and ended up using Google Translate. Unfortunately, the translation was quite literal, and I inadvertently used a phrase that meant "the cow is eating the court documents" instead of "the defendant is liable for the damages."

My colleagues burst into laughter when they reviewed my draft, and we had a good chuckle about it. It was a lighthearted moment that taught me the importance of language accuracy and cultural understanding in legal work. We managed to correct the document, and it was eventually submitted to the court with a more appropriate phrase!
Pros
  • Great organization when it comes to work
  • They are very organized
  • Works on time.
17 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
John
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Law & advocacy intern

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!

What was your funniest moment?
I was trying to impress my host family with my attempts at cooking traditional Malawian dishes, but I ended up setting the kitchen towel on fire while trying to fry some mandazi (fried doughnuts)! David, my host, walked into the kitchen to find me frantically waving a burning towel in the air, and he couldn't help but laugh at my misfortune. We both ended up laughing so hard that we had to hold our sides! It was a funny moment that showed me that even in moments of chaos, laughter can bring people together.
27 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Adriano
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Law & Advocate Internship

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!

What was your funniest moment?
Ah, my funniest moment volunteering in Malawi for my law and advocacy internship was when I tried to communicate with a local farmer in Chichewa, the national language. I thought I was asking him about his crops, but apparently, I accidentally asked him about his marital status! He burst out laughing and replied, 'Muli bwanji, azimayi akale!' which means 'I'm fine, I have a wife already!' The whole village erupted in laughter, and I realized that even in a professional setting, humor and humility can go a long way in building connections.
Pros
  • - Immersing myself in Malawian culture and learning about the local legal system
  • Working with dedicated lawyers and advocates who are passionate about creating positive change
  • Building relationships with the community and learning about their experiences and perspectives
Cons
  • Language barriers and cultural differences that sometimes led to misunderstandings
  • Seeing firsthand the impact of poverty, inequality, and injustice on communities
  • Adapting to a new and unfamiliar environment, which can be overwhelming at times
31 people found this review helpful.
Women of the mother group and me in Karonga in the Mwenilondo area
Katharina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Empowering Lives: A Transformative Volunteering Experience

I recently spent the whole September in Malawi with the aim to support HYCF to bring their vision for their projects in Karonga further into reality to not just making a difference in the lives of the people there, but to enhance their capacity building as well. I had the priviledge of working on different impactful projects especially dedicated to empowering girls, boys and women in the Mwenilondo area in Karonga. My overall experience was nothing short of inspiring and transformative and I was also able to learn a lot of new things and gain new skills.

In the beginning of my stay David and I visited the local community in Karonga and had different conversations with the locals like Grace from the mother group in the Mwenilondo area as well as Gertrude the head teacher of the primary school there. In that way I could understand the current situation and challenges that they were facing better and also what successes have already been achieved with previous projects of HYCF. I was so incredibly impressed by the enthusiasm and determination of those women, who want to lead their community into a better future that I decided to support them with different projects.

Since HYCF is a smaller non profit organization they also rely on support from donations to implement their more extensive projects. That’s why I first started with fundraising – an experience that was at that time completely new to me. I’ve never set up a Gofundme campaign before, but David helped me a lot with that and his previous experiences. It was very important to share the campaign with all the people I knew and on different media especially in the beginning of the campaign to gain more attention for the good cause and I also gave updates during the progress of the projects. In that way we could raise enough money to buy materials for new reusable pads to exchange the old reusbale pads that were given to the menstruating girls 3 years ago in a previous project of the volunteer Brinda. We could also organize a one week sewing machine workshop for the women of the mother group with our trainer Tekla, so that they could learn to produce more reusable pads in an easier way and shorter time and without pain in their hands. What was a very touching moment for me in Karonga was that we were also able to use the funds to help an elderly lady in the Karonga community who had nothing to eat for several days. You could really see how grateful she was that she finally had her basic needs met again. That experience humbled me a lot and showed me one more time how important it is in a community to also help those people in need who are not able to help themselves.

Another highlight of the projects that I worked on for HYCF was a very successful sexual education workshop with the theme „It’s my choice – I have the power“ that we organized for the more adolescent girls and boys starting from age 11 at the Mwenilondo Primary school. For that workshop I’ve been working closely together with Tawemi, the monitoring and evaluation officer of HYCF who was transporting the important messages in the Tumbuka language to the pupils. It was a very enriching collaboration with her and we were putting our knowledge for the structure and content of the workshop together. I was also able to learn more about the Malawian culture in that way, for which I am very grateful.

During my time I’ve been the only international volunteer at HYCF, but in that way I was also working very closely together with David on my different projects. I got to know him as a very dedicated and hardworking person who is very passionate about helping his community with all his heart and having a positive long lasting impact there. That’s also why he always makes sure to include people from the community who function as role model into various projects so that especially the pupils can learn from their experiences and be empowered to follow their own unique path in life. Whenever I had questions about something or needed his help I could always ask him and communicate openly to him. David helped a lot when it was about buying the materials for the reusable pads on the local markets, scheduling meetings with the head teacher and mother group as well as finding the sewing machine trainer and translating when people were just able to speak their local language. He was also showing me around in Karonga so that I could not just get to know local places like the beach lodge, the gym, the market and other places, but also local people and spending a great time with them together. I could also visit places like Nkhata Bay and Chitipa.

During my time in Malawi I stayed with David and his family and had my own room with a comfortable bed and his mother Ruth always took care that there are 3 delicious meals per day available. It was a wonderful stay with them and I’m so grateful for the interesting and wonderful conversations I had with his mother and father. David’s family made me feel welcomed from the first minute and more like being part of the family. I also felt always very safe since the house is extra secured and also David and his family told me what is safe to do and what to take care of. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for having me at your place and making my stay so wonderful!

All in all, my time with HYCF was a very meaningful and fulfilling experience for me. David’s and the organization’s dedication to empowering girls, boys and women is commendable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a noble cause. To do projects together with HYCF is not just about making a difference; it’s about being part of a movement that strives for equality, empowerment, and a brighter future for all. I wholeheartedly recommend to volunteer with HYCF to anyone passionate about creating positive lasting change in the lives of the people of the community in Karonga and instilling confidence, nurturing dreams, and creating a foundation for a brighter future.

Pros
  • Different projects and new work experience in various fields depending on your interests and skills
  • Cultural exchange with locals and possibility of collaboration with CEO of organization
  • Very good and secure accomodation with 3 delicious meals per day
Cons
  • No cons cause I'm really grateful for the new experiences I could gain and the people I could empower
54 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Maria Vittoria
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience

Hi! I am Maria Vittoria and I am an Italian girl who loves Africa from many years, thanks to my parents who had brought me with them since I was a child. I have always dreamt to be a volunteer and do something that can make the difference.
In the middle of July I went to Malawi at David’s home. He is open minded, full of energy, he believes in many values and he has lot of purposes, which is something that I have always appreciated of him. His family was really kind with me and they were always ready to help me if I had problems or difficulties, they can explain you more about the culture and curiosities. They have always tried to do their best and we did lot of funny things together, go to a production studio and sing together, drink malawian beer and Five Cousins wine, drive a motorbike, listen to African music, chatting about our crazy stories of life.
I have traveled a lot in Africa and I can say that Malawi is wonderful but it’s not the fullest country of things to visit where I have been to. If you are an active person, like me, who wants always something to do during the day, maybe sometimes it can be a bit boring and you could want something different from the lake, which is for sure beautiful. You have to know that you will have lot of free time and so it's better to find something to do, if you don’t want to stay at home.
My volunteer experience was so short, I have teached mathematics in a primary school and I didn’t know, when I booked the travel, that the students at that time were on holidays… Most of the volunteers are required to create a fund for the organization to hold up their project, or to give a “small” amount of money for the same cause, because HYCF is a small organization which still has to grow a lot! It can be a problem for someone, also because you will spend more and more money than you could expect.
If you really want to live this experience you have to take into consideration the difficulties you’ll find, the loneliness, which was for me a big obstacle, the culture very different obviously, and you have to be absolutely open minded because this is the only way to discover Malawi! People are never in a hurry and there are always lot of delays and disorganization, like in most African's country, and sometimes it can be a little bit annoying.
In any case, you can really grow a lot with this experience, and understand more deeply some meanings of life.
The worm heart of Africa is in my heart.

Pros
  • Experience
  • English
Cons
  • No work
  • Disorganisation
62 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers