International
Pass on your kindness from anywhere or join us in Malawi.
Where You Can Make a Difference
Our Volunteer Programs
Explore where you can make a difference as an international volunteer.
Health Care
OTK partners with local clinics, hospitals, and community health workers to expand access to essential medical care and strengthen clinical capacity in rural Malawi. Volunteers support direct patient care, training, health education, and system-level improvement.
Possible volunteering roles
- Medical doctors (general practice + specialties)
- Nurses & midwives
- Medical / nursing students (clinical rotations)
- Public health professionals
- Maternal & child health specialists
- Pharmacists / pharmacy techs
- Lab technicians
- Global health researchers
- 0+
Patients served by the free community clinic
- 0+
Cervical cancer screenings performed
Oral Care
Oral health remains one of the most underserved needs in Mulanje. Volunteers help OTK run dental outreach days, screenings, hygiene education, and clinic-based care while supporting long-term prevention programs.
Possible volunteering roles
- Dentists
- Dental hygienists
- Dental assistants / techs
- Dental students
- Oral health educators
- Mobile dental clinic specialists
- 0+
Dental patients attended to at OTK clinic
- 0+
Dental patients need tooth extraction services
Education
OTK supports students across Mulanje through tutoring, library access, exam preparation, and girls’ education programs. Volunteers help strengthen classroom learning, mentor students, and build skills in high-need subjects like English, math, and science.
Possible volunteering roles
- Primary or secondary teachers
- Special education / inclusive education specialists
- Teacher trainers / education researchers
- Early childhood development educators
- Literacy program designers
- STEM tutors or coding instructors
- University interns doing fieldwork in education
- 0+
Rescued back to school from early marriages.
- 0+
Students on various scholarships.
Information Technology (IT)
OTK is launching new digital learning spaces and ICT programs to equip youth with employable tech skills. Volunteers help build digital curriculum, train instructors, and support hardware, connectivity, and systems setup.
Possible volunteering roles
- IT instructors / trainers
- Computer science students
- Network & systems setup specialists
- Web developers / UI/UX designers
- Digital literacy educators
- Data / MIS consultants
- IT support for OTK staff + school partners
- 0+
Students attending computer lessons
- 0+
Students reading at our community Library
Sustainable Agriculture
OTK supports food security through sustainable farming village projects, tree nursery programs, and climate-smart agriculture. Volunteers strengthen training, farm management, crop diversification, and community sustainability efforts.
Possible volunteering roles
- Agronomists
- Sustainable farming educators
- Soil, irrigation, or crop specialists
- Livestock and poultry trainers
- Forestry & nursery management
- Agricultural economics / value-chain researchers
- Permaculture / regenerative agriculture trainers
- 0+
Farmers taught sustainable agriculture
- 0M+
Trees planted through 64 nursery hubs
Engineering
OTK regularly receives requests related to water access, infrastructure, solar power, wells, and low-cost rural technology. Engineering volunteers help with assessments, prototyping, implementation, and skills transfer.
Possible volunteering roles
- Civil engineers
- Water & sanitation (WASH) engineers
- Mechanical or electrical engineers
- Renewable energy / solar technicians
- Construction design + site assessment
- Appropriate-technology specialists
- 0+
Homes built since November 2023
- 0+
Boreholes drilled and water facilities
Skilled Vocational Training
OTK is expanding vocational training programs for the community in carpentry, tailoring, construction, mechanics, and entrepreneurship. Volunteers provide hands-on teaching, curriculum design, and mentorship.
Possible volunteering roles
- Carpenters & builders
- Tailoring / fashion design instructors
- Electricians / solar installation trainers
- Automotive repair & welding
- Entrepreneurship / business skills trainers
- Plumbing, masonry, and other skilled trades
- TVET educators or curriculum designers
- 0+
Adults received literacy training
- 0+
Teen mothers received vocational training
About OTK
Passing On The Kindness
Born from a story of courage and kindness, Othakarhaka Foundation (meaning “passing on the kindness” in Chichewa) is a community-driven organization founded by Ida Puliwa in Mulanje, Malawi.
Ida’s journey from walking barefoot for hours to school, to becoming the first girl in her village to graduate secondary school inspired her to ensure other girls would not have to walk alone.
Today, Othakarhaka Foundation empowers communities to educate girls, promote health, restore the environment, and fight poverty through volunteerism and kindness.
About OTK
Othakarhaka (OTK) means Passing On The Kindness
Born from a story of courage and kindness, Othakarhaka Foundation (meaning “passing on the kindness” in Chichewa) is a community-driven organization founded by Ida Puliwa in Mulanje, Malawi.
Today, Othakarhaka Foundation empowers communities to educate girls, promote health, restore the environment, and fight poverty through volunteerism and kindness.
Today, Othakarhaka Foundation empowers communities to educate girls, promote health, restore the environment, and fight poverty through volunteerism and kindness.
Our Mission
Breaking gender bias with kindness. Building communities that know that a girl is never “just a girl”.
- Girls are powerful
- Girls are limitless
- Girls are whatever they want to be
Our Vission
A Malawi where:
- every person enjoys basic amenities
- every child has access to education
- every girl is free to reach her full potential, unimpeded by gender bias or child marriage
Our Core Values
Trust: We build strong relationships through integrity and openness.
Community: We create impact by working hand-in-hand with local people.
Sustainability: We design programs that grow, endure, and uplift everyone.
About OTK
Passing On The Kindness
Born from a story of courage and kindness, Othakarhaka Foundation (meaning “passing on the kindness” in Chichewa) is a community-driven organization founded by Ida Puliwa in Mulanje, Malawi.
Ida’s journey from walking barefoot for hours to school, to becoming the first girl in her village to graduate secondary school inspired her to ensure other girls would not have to walk alone.
Today, Othakarhaka Foundation empowers communities to educate girls, promote health, restore the environment, and fight poverty through volunteerism and kindness.
Today, Othakarhaka Foundation empowers communities to educate girls, promote health, restore the environment, and fight poverty through volunteerism and kindness.
Passing on the kindness is about loving your neighbor and being true to yourself – it reveals what is in your heart.
Ida Puliwa Mwango
OTK Founder
About OTK
Passing On The Kindness
Born from a story of courage and kindness, Othakarhaka Foundation (meaning “passing on the kindness” in Chichewa) is a community-driven organization founded by Ida Puliwa in Mulanje, Malawi.
Ida’s journey from walking barefoot for hours to school, to becoming the first girl in her village to graduate secondary school inspired her to ensure other girls would not have to walk alone.
Today, Othakarhaka Foundation empowers communities to educate girls, promote health, restore the environment, and fight poverty through volunteerism and kindness.
Today, Othakarhaka Foundation empowers communities to educate girls, promote health, restore the environment, and fight poverty through volunteerism and kindness.
Passing on the kindness is about loving your neighbor and being true to yourself – it reveals what is in your heart.
Ida Puliwa Mwango
OTK Founder
The difference to make
The Challenges Facing Malawi
OTK is dismantling barriers and empowering communities Through the motto passing on the kindness.
- Only 5% of children complete primary school.
- Just 8% of Malawian girls complete secondary school.
- 1 in 3 girls is married before the age of 18, often ending her education.
- Highest cervical cancer death rate globally
- 80% of cervical cancer screening coverage still unmet
- 1 doctor per 50,000 people in rural communities
- 93% of rural women subsistence farm
- 2/3 of rural workers face seasonal underemployment
Education
Health
Development
The Challenges Facing Malawi
OTK is dismantling barriers and empowering communities Through the motto passing on the kindness.
Education
- Only 5% of children complete primary school.
- Just 8% of Malawian girls complete secondary school.
- 1 in 3 girls is married before the age of 18, often ending her education.
Health
- Highest cervical cancer death rate globally
- 80% of cervical cancer screening coverage still unmet
- 1 doctor per 50,000 people in rural communities
Development
- 93% of rural women subsistence farm
- 2/3 of rural workers face seasonal underemployment
Our Impact
OTK is dismantling barriers and empowering communities Through the motto passing on the kindness.
Discover
Experience Malawi Beyond the Project
Known as The Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi welcomes every visitor with open arms, smiles, and stories. Nestled between rolling tea estates and the majestic Mulanje Mountain, OTK’s home is a perfect blend of nature, peace, and purpose.
Mount Mulanje
Guided two-day hikes with skilled local porters, offering eco-tourism, breathtaking views, and a deeper connection to Mulanje’s natural heritage.
Majete Wildlife Reserve
Experience ethical, conservation-focused wildlife tours with Robin Pope Safaris, showcasing Malawi’s protected species and sustainable tourism practices.
Tea Plantations
Visit Mulanje’s historic tea estates for cultural immersion, guided tours, and firsthand insight into local agriculture and economic life.
Lake Malawi
Unwind on its clear shores, reflect on your volunteer impact, and experience Malawi’s natural beauty and rich cultural warmth.
Discover
Experiencing Malawi Beyond the Project
Known as The Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi welcomes every visitor with open arms, smiles, and stories. Nestled between rolling tea estates and the majestic Mulanje Mountain, OTK’s home is a perfect blend of nature, peace, and purpose.
- Mount Mulanje: Guided 2-day hikes, local
porters, eco-tourism. - Majete Wildlife Reserve: Robin Pope Safaris
offers trusted, ethical tours. - Tea Plantations: Opportunity for cultural
immersion and economic insight. - Lake Malawi: A place to unwind, reflect on
your impact, and connect with Malawi’s
natural and cultural beauty.
Composite satellite image of Mt. Mulanje and OTK offices sit at the base of it. Image by Jesse Allen 
Sitting area at Majete Game Reserve which is about 60KMs away from OTK 
Giraffe at Majete Game Reserve which is about 60KMs away from OTK 
A hike on Mulanje Mountain towards Chambe hut greets you with breathtaking views and vegetation 
Makokola retreat Malawi lodges Malawian style lake Malawi Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi is the heart of clear waters, glittering fishes, clear skies, exciting snorkelin
Travel & Logistics
Plan Your Journey with Ease
Othakarhaka Foundation has years of experience hosting international guests - especially students and volunteers from the University of Michigan, who visit annually to contribute to life-changing community projects
Accommodation
OTK has long-standing partnerships with some of Mulanje’s best accommodation providers. Our international volunteers and guests, including UMICH students, have found comfort, safety, and warmth in these beautiful local lodges and guesthouses.
Travel
A valid passport and Malawi visa (available online or upon arrival).
Meals & Transportation
Nutritious meals and safe transport are arranged with support from our local network.
Safety & Support
OTK’s local team provides 24/7 guidance, ensuring a secure and fulfilling volunteer experience.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions or need clarifications? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions and their answers. If you do not find the answer to your question(s), please send an email to volunteer@othakarhakafoundation.mw
OTK accepts volunteers age 18+ from any country. You can join as a student, professional, researcher, retiree, or career-shifter. Both skilled and general volunteer roles are available.
No – experience is helpful but not required. What matters most is respect for community-led work, cultural humility, and a willingness to learn. Certain skilled roles (ex: medical, engineering, IT) may require credentials.
Opportunities range from short-term (1-2 weeks) to long-term (3-6+ months), depending on your skills and availability. Remote and part-time roles are also available year-round.
OTK does not charge program fees. Volunteers are responsible for all travel and housing expenses, including flights, visas, insurance, meals, and accommodation. However, our partner organizations assist with coordinating and booking housing, local transport, and in-country logistics to ensure safe and affordable arrangements.
Yes. We welcome remote roles in areas like digital skills training, fundraising, communications, and research. Remote volunteers work directly with OTK teams in Malawi via WhatsApp, Zoom, and email.
Every volunteer receives a structured onboarding guide, cultural orientation, safety briefing, and ongoing support from OTK staff. Housing and in-country coordination may be arranged through our partner organization depending on your placement type.
All volunteers are placed within existing OTK programs and paired with local staff or community leaders. OTK does not place volunteers in isolated, unsupervised roles.
No. English is widely spoken in schools, hospitals, and OTK offices. Basic Chichewa phrases are included in the pre-arrival guide to help you connect with the community.
Yes. OTK welcomes partnerships with universities for internships, research projects, clinical rotations, alternative breaks, and service-learning programs. Group inquiries can be made through the same form.
Frequently Asked Questions
OTK accepts volunteers age 18+ from any country. You can join as a student, professional, researcher, retiree, or career-shifter. Both skilled and general volunteer roles are available.
No – experience is helpful but not required. What matters most is respect for community-led work, cultural humility, and a willingness to learn. Certain skilled roles (ex: medical, engineering, IT) may require credentials.
Opportunities range from short-term (1-2 weeks) to long-term (3-6+ months), depending on your skills and availability. Remote and part-time roles are also available year-round.
OTK does not charge program fees. Volunteers are responsible for all travel and housing expenses, including flights, visas, insurance, meals, and accommodation. However, our partner organizations assist with coordinating and booking housing, local transport, and in-country logistics to ensure safe and affordable arrangements.
Yes. We welcome remote roles in areas like digital skills training, fundraising, communications, and research. Remote volunteers work directly with OTK teams in Malawi via WhatsApp, Zoom, and email.
Every volunteer receives a structured onboarding guide, cultural orientation, safety briefing, and ongoing support from OTK staff. Housing and in-country coordination may be arranged through our partner organization depending on your placement type.
All volunteers are placed within existing OTK programs and paired with local staff or community leaders. OTK does not place volunteers in isolated, unsupervised roles.
No. English is widely spoken in schools, hospitals, and OTK offices. Basic Chichewa phrases are included in the pre-arrival guide to help you connect with the community.
Yes. OTK welcomes partnerships with universities for internships, research projects, clinical rotations, alternative breaks, and service-learning programs. Group inquiries can be made through the same form.
Join Othakarhaka and our 6,800 volunteers to expand our reach and deepen our impact.
Become a volunteer
Submit your interest to volunteer today
Whether you’re a student, skilled professional, retiree, or passionate learner, there’s a role for you at Othakarhaka.
Open to volunteers age 18+ from any country
Opportunities for both skilled and general volunteers
No prior international experience required