Goodbye from Malawi

Project highlights

For my last update, I’ve been reflecting on some of my highlights from the project so far - there have been so many! I’ve loved working alongside inspiring teachers like Peter and seeing how our practical support and professional guidance has helped improve standards of teaching here. I’ve also really enjoyed working alongside my fellow VSO teammates – Wezzie, Atu and Prisca. They’re such a dedicated team and I know they’d like me to pass on their thanks to all of you who’ve been with us on this journey.

But perhaps one of my favourite moments of the last year was attending one of our school open days. I remember seeing the children performing poems and showcasing what they’d learnt in school, while their parents watched with pride. The confidence displayed by the children, and the joy and encouragement shown by their parents, reflected all the work we’ve been doing to improve education and engage communities here. It made me very happy. 

Every day, I see students thriving. Their reading, writing and counting is improving all the time, and with it, their love for learning. This is all down to the collective efforts of teachers, parents, VSO volunteers and incredible supporters like you. As our project continues, we’ll reach even more children across Malawi, giving them the education they deserve. I’m so proud to be part of this change, and I hope you are too. One child we’ve helped is 14-year-old Mphatso, whose story below is a powerful reminder of why our work must continue…

Mphatso's story

Mphatso is 14 years old and lives with his family in rural Malawi. Their small home, which is made of mud bricks and a thatched roof, has no running water or electricity. Mphatso’s parents both dropped out of school because their families couldn’t afford the costs. They want Mphatso to stay in school and get a good education so that he can have a better life than their own. 

Despite his parent’s support, Mphatso found school challenging. With over 200 students in his class, no desks or chairs, and a noisy environment, he struggled to learn. His teacher couldn’t offer one-to-one support with such a huge class to teach, and with no pen or paper to use, Mphatso had no chance to learn to read and write. Eventually he dropped out completely, leaving him feeling disconnected from his friends. He told me: “When I didn’t go to school, I didn’t like it because my friends were learning [without me].” 

Everything changed when VSO built the learning centre and introduced the tablets to Mphatso’s school. Since then, Mphatso has returned every day and is thriving in lessons. He’s now excited about learning and has seen a big improvement in his reading and writing. He told me: “Since I’ve been using the tablets, my reading and writing has changed. The things I learn make me happy to learn more.” 

I’ve seen first-hand what a breakthrough the tablets have been for Mphatso. He now has the tools, support and motivation to succeed and finish his education. Mphatso dreams of becoming a teacher one day and, thanks to you, that dream is within reach. 

And now, introducing your next VSO volunteer… Diane 

Muraho! (Hello!) - I’m Diane, a Special Needs Education Co-ordinator on VSO’s early education project in Rwanda. I’m thrilled to introduce myself and share a bit about the amazing work happening here.

In Rwanda, many children - especially those with disabilities or learning difficulties - face barriers to quality early education. Classrooms are crowded and under-resourced, and traditional teaching methods focus on memorisation rather than interactive learning. This makes it harder for students to develop crucial skills like problem-solving and creativity, and can lead to high drop-out rates. It’s an awful situation as without an education, children end up living a life of poverty.

Me and my VSO teammates are working to transform early childhood education here. We want every child aged 3-6 to experience high-quality education that is fun, engaging and meaningful. We do this through play, which a powerful way for children to learn. Play builds confidence, creativity and curiosity, leading to better educational outcomes that will help children live the life they deserve when they’re older.

My role with VSO is focused on ensuring children with special educational needs aren’t left behind. I work with teachers, parents and communities to create more inclusive learning environments and help them to see that every child has potential when given the right support. I can’t wait to tell you more about how your support is helping children in Rwanda to develop confidence and a love of learning that will stay with them for life! 

Until next time,
Diane