Mpamba Disability Skill Sharing Centre

Many people with physical disabilities are disenfranchised educationally in Malawi.  The Mpamba workshop for disabled adults came into being in 2008 and now has a building developed to create the workshop space.

Mpamba is located 10kms from Butterfly in Nkhata bay.  Volunteers will have to provide their own transport which will cost £1 each way.  The group comprises of people who are deaf, blind, polio victims, people with prosthetics, and people in wheelchairs. The centre is a hub for all member in the district alongside the skills that are taught, tailoring, catering, and building.  The catering group offers a restaurant service with prior notice for large groups, the tailors make uniforms and bags for tourists.  Recently the physically disabled adults have started a nursery class in the workshop teaching fully able children.

There are many opportunities for volunteers at Mpamba. It will be essential to make an initial visit to orientate and liaise with Patrick who is central to the workshop.  Occupational therapists and physiotherapists would be welcomed as volunteers.  The members need consultations, referral exercises and medical advice. They also need home visits and help to get free government assistance and essentially transportation to these facilities.  Liaison with these government providers would be essential and sometimes impossible for the group themselves.

Tailor, builders, carpenters, chefs, and caterers would also be beneficial as volunteers at Mpamba to extend and develop skills in these vocations.

Any volunteer with new ideas for skills training that have business income generating possibilities would be welcome to create a space that has been inspired by Nema craft in Tanzania.

Volunteers can:

• Provide physio sessions if they are qualified. Occupational Therapists can also offer relevant advice and solutions. 
• Help with vocational training sessions.
• Visit and use services offered there and offer support and ideas.
• Fundraise for building maintenence and supplies.
• Promote and share the needs of people accessing the centre for future support from volunteers. 
• Advertise the skills and services they have so that they are more widely used

Butterfly Space Lodge is beautifully situated under a canopy of mango trees, surrounded by lush permaculture gardens with a restaurant and bar. Butterfly Space is a 15 minute walk from the bustling ferry port and market town, which has a vibrant market, great night life handcrafted souvenir shops, restaurants and a warm and friendly feel! 

Across the bay is Aqua Africa who offer scuba diving and kayaking, Monkey Business  (on site at Butterfly) is a small Malawian business that offers kayaking and canoe trips, mountain biking and treks. The lodge has a lively bar and pool table, and hammocks overlooking the beautiful crystal clear Lake Malawi. Snorkels are available free of charge at reception for snorkelling. There are lots of beautiful coves and beaches to explore along the lake, and pretty villages that welcome warmly passers by.