Often the most memorable moments from personal adventures around the world happen when you’re meeting local people, exchanging stories and experiences, and actively making a difference in the lives of those you meet. This is the incredibly rewarding experience that Explorations is offering during an uplifting visit to the Mayamiko Trust Women’s Project in Malawi. Located in southeastern Africa, Malawi is known for its scenic landscapes, the abundance of wildlife that roams across the National Parks of Liwonde and Majete, and its rich cultural mix of tribes. Often referred to as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, you’ll discover why when meeting the friendly Malawian people. This is a unique opportunity to dig a little deeper and truly get to know Malawi and its people, whilst contributing towards a meaningful project supporting the local community.
Founded in 2008 by entrepreneur Paola Masperi, the Mayamiko Trust aims to offer education, training and finances to the marginalised women of Malawi, creating a long-term and sustainable way out of poverty. We have been supporting Paola’s projects for several years and she will be your private host for your time with the Trust.
"To date, over 160 women have graduated from the training centre’s fashion training programme, whilst also benefiting from business mentorship and funding to start their own businesses."
Take a trip to choose fabrics at the colourful vibrant market in Lilongwe, and observe the process of creating garments at the Trust’s Fashion Lab workshop on the outskirts of the capital. Here women are taught transferable creative skills and learn how to make clothes whilst adopting a sustainable and ethical approach. To date, over 160 women have graduated from the training centre’s fashion training programme, whilst also benefiting from business mentorship and funding to start their own businesses.
You have the option to provide sessions reviewing recent graduates’ business plans or teaching finance management and English classes, all of which make a tangible difference to the lives of the women you meet.
Other sustainable projects that the Mayamiko Trust has embarked upon include the promotion of solar lights in Chinsapo, the community where many of the trainees come from, bee-keeping training and a zero-waste policy whereby scrap fabric is repurposed to make reusable sanitary kits. Every project aims to educate and empower women, so sharing your knowledge and skills makes a powerful impact towards this ongoing mission.
Hear about the life experiences of local women, take the time to enjoy interactions and witness the difference that you are making whilst nurturing creative talent, to build a more sustainable future for the women of Malawi. However you choose to offer your time to the women of this community, it will be an incredibly enriching experience.
