Travel with Habitat!
Build with Global Village
Volunteer abroad with Global Village! Global Village is an international volunteer program that takes volunteers abroad to make a hands-on difference in the countries we support through our Global Investment Program. You will experience the country like a local, with locals from the partnering Habitat affiliate. While these volunteer travels may only last a week or two, the financial, emotional, and physical contributions can be life-changing -- not only for the community where you work, but also for you and your volunteer team.
VOLUNTEER IN MALAWI
A landlocked nation in southeastern Africa, Malawi has a population of just over 20 million people. The housing need in Malawi is profound, with over half of its housing considered substandard and housing demand far outstripping supply. On top of that, it is a nation hit hard by health crises and natural disaster.
Volunteer in Malawi, and you will be part of the solution. From May 2-9, 2026, you can travel to Malawi's Mulanje district to build with like-hearted volunteers and local staff and community. You'll work with Habitat Malawi on their area efforts to build housing for orphaned and vulnerable children as well as for those impacted by Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
Global Village Builds are a first-hand look at how Habitat adapts our programs and services to build homes, communities, and hope in different ways around the world. Your week in Malawi will change lives forever—including your own.
What to expect
Build in Malawi
Day 1
Volunteers will arrive at Chileka Airport (BLZ), where they will be greeted by a Habitat for Humanity Malawi staff and taken to their hotel to settle in and have dinner.
Day 2
The following day, the team will travel from the in-transit hotel to Mulanje (approximately 1.5–2 hours). After checking into the build-location hotel and enjoying lunch, volunteers will participate in an in-country orientation to learn more about Habitat Malawi’s work, local customs, and the week ahead. Dinner will be shared together at the hotel.
Days 3-4
It's time to get building! Your build days will begin with a hotel breakfast and traveling to the build site. On your first build day, you can expect a full on-site orientation. After some morning build time, you'll have earned a snack break to tide you over through the rest of the morning's building. Then, you'll break for lunch before completing some more building for the afternoon. After that, you'll return to the hotel for some free time, dinner, and a team reflection.
Day 5
You'll start with breakfast at the hotel, then travel to the Blantyre SSB production site for a day of social learning exchange. After lunch, you'll travel back to the hotel for free time, dinner, and a team reflection.
Day 6
Your final day of building! As usual, you'll have breakfast at the hotel, travel to the build site, and get to work! You'll get breaks for snack and lunch, then put the finishing touches on your week's work. Afterward, you'll return to the hotel for free time, dinner, and a team reflection.
Days 7-8
This is a time to celebrate with the community and your fellow volunteers, have a farewell meal, and travel home.
“This was a life changing experience for me. You have showed me that volunteering is not just an occasional event. You’ve made me question who I interact with and why. What do I want to do with my time and who do I want to be surrounded by. Each and every one of you has left a little bit of chispa in my heart."
