Testimonial - Lindsey       Lindsey's time with MVO Lindsey Maddison From: England Aged: 22 Project: Malawi Sports and Community, Medical Volunteers Volunteered: August-November 2010 Duration: 12 weeks I spent nearly 3 months in Malawi volunteering for MVO and those 3 months have definitely changed my life and hopefully the lives of others in Malawi. I have been travelling on and off since I was 18 and ended up back home with a good job, but after eighteen months I got bored and wanted to get away again. My mum suggested volunteering in Africa and to be honest at first I wasn't keen on the idea. However after a lot of research into different projects I decided to give it a shot. I looked at many different programmes and organisations when I came across the Malawi Sport and Community Volunteers with MVO. When I arrived I was not quite sure what to expect but once we turned up at the house (which is amazing - set on the lake with a gorgeous garden) and met the other volunteers my nerves calmed and I became quite excited. Everyone there - the other volunteers and staff at MVO are really helpful and make everything much easier for you. I started my time there on the Sports and Community programme. I spent every morning in an orphanage (Chilombo orphanage became my little project) and each afternoon coaching different sports - mainly football, netball and rounders. I really enjoyed the sport but after a few weeks into my time there the weather got a lot hotter and less people came. I spoke to the project manager about this issue and offered my assistance in other areas - such as medical. For the next 2 months I worked in the Wound Clinic every afternoon. I loved doing this and I felt I was really helping the community. It was really satisfying to watch the patients get better and see their wounds heal with your help. My favourite thing about the project had to be Chilombo orphanage and the children there. I spent every morning for 12 weeks with the same children and made a special bond with a number of them. After a month there and with the rainy season on its way I realised that the only building they had was made from bamboo and straw. I spoke to my mum back home and asked her for some help - she then started fundraising. Another volunteer offered to help and confident I could reach the target, I got a quote for a new building and with the help of the MVO staff, I organised its construction. The finished building, made from bricks, timber and iron sheets, looked amazing, and was completed before I left and the rainy season started. I had some fundraising money left over which I am donating to the 'Boost Malawi' charity - http://www.boostmalawi.org.uk . I would recommend volunteering with MVO to anyone. I had the most incredible time there and seeing the little children's faces so happy over the smallest thing has completely changed my life. I have made many lifelong friends and wouldn't change a second of it. Lindsey back to testimonials If you'd like to make an enquiry about volunteering with us, please use the request form or visit the contact page.