Entering Malawi was as smooth as it possibly could have been, made easy by the immense support from HUMANA and DAPP Malawi. Traveling as a group made the journey even more meaningful, as those shared moments quickly became memories for a lifetime. With all the information provided by Richmond Vale Academy, obtaining our visas upon arrival was straightforward and stress-free. Cedric was already waiting for us at the airport and took us to NHQ, which is a truly beautiful and grounding place. Driving through Malawi for the first time felt surreal — the landscapes, the air, and the rhythm of life instantly made an impression. The week we spent at NHQ helped prepare our mindsets for the next six months, allowing us to meet welcoming and friendly staff and gain a deeper introduction into our projects. Saying goodbye to the rest of the group as everyone departed for different project sites was extremely bittersweet.
Our team then embarked on a five-hour bus ride from Blantyre to Dowa, with Cedric helping us board smoothly and without confusion. That journey was one of the most beautiful rides I have ever experienced — passing towns, markets, cattle herded by young children, and people carrying heavy loads with remarkable strength and resilience.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by our DI responsible, project leader, and driver, whose kindness was immediate and genuine. They even prepared rice for us in case we were not yet accustomed to nsima, a small but thoughtful gesture.
Our rooms were clean and ready, making us feel instantly at home. Our first week was filled with opportunities to familiarize ourselves with the campus, the students and teachers we live alongside, nearby communities, the refugee camp, and the capital where we do much of our shopping. Riding the one-gear bicycles through town was humbling — challenging, yet motivating in a way that encourages perseverance rather than discouragement.
Visiting the preschools for the first time opened our eyes to the realities of the communities we will be working with, where many people gathered simply to see the muzungos (foreigners), hopeful that our presence may bring support. As our project ideas continue to grow, it has become increasingly clear how directly our preparation at Richmond Vale Academy connects to the experiences we are now living. While the school students have been more reserved and unfamiliar with foreigners, leading to a somewhat reserved welcome, the surrounding communities have been incredibly open and warm. Our team remains hopeful that fear can transform into curiosity, allowing for the meaningful cultural exchange we came here to experience. I am deeply grateful for these introduction weeks and excited for what lies ahead, hopeful that I can give back even a small portion of what Malawi has already given to me.
Jodi McMahon, USA, Stationed in DAPP Teacher Training College.