A student’s thoughts:
Guisla’s Malawi experience…

24.06.2024 | By Lyndsay Jensen | Pictures: DRH Lindersvold

A journey of growth and discovery.

As student Guisla reflects on her time with the Volunteer for Change programme at DRH Lindersvold, she shares with us her journey of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments.

“When I started my job as a teacher in Malawi, I was really scared. It was my first time teaching, and I was unprepared and unsure, questioning: Will I know how to manage the lessons? Will the students listen to me? Will I be able to do this? I was a teacher, a role I didn’t have a full understanding of, plus I was given the task of teaching maths, a subject I’m not that comfortable with. This was definitely a process of adapting to the culture and environment I was living in, so it was challenging.”

However, those first two months worked as a form of training for me. It was during that time that I learned about the function and philosophy of the school, understanding not only my role as a teacher but also the shortcomings that I could work on to improve. I’m very glad that I had the chance to work with Innocent my mentor, who showed me how to organise the lessons and how to keep the student’s attention. It was during those lessons that I developed my teaching skills but also, I became aware of the number of challenges that education faces in Malawi, especially in the rural areas.

One of the highlights was working with the local community, where we investigated local issues. One of our investigations with ten communities around the school addressed the rising costs that burden families, such as the price of fertilisers, making the humblest families struggle with their daily lives. So, we devised a workshop on how to make fertilisers from urine. Organising the workshop involved hands-on activities and engaging with the community, which was both rewarding and enlightening.

With the arrival of new students in January, I shifted my focus to developing their creative skills through expressive arts and a social club. These initiatives brought immense satisfaction as I witnessed students’ enthusiasm and creativity flourish. Crafting lesson plans, sourcing materials, and facilitating activities required creativity and adaptability.

Working with Clara (my teammate) on the Gender Department project was another life-changing experience. Teaching sexual and reproductive health to our students was challenging but incredibly impactful. We organised workshops, discussions, and activities to educate and empower the students. The positive feedback from students reaffirmed the importance of our work.

Ultimately, the students were at the heart of my journey. Their eagerness to learn and resilience kept me motivated. The bond I formed with the students made every struggle worthwhile. Engaging in daily interactions, helping with their studies, and participating in their extracurricular activities created a strong, supportive environment.

Leaving Malawi was bittersweet. This experience has profoundly changed me, instilling a deep sense of responsibility to continue making a difference. I’m grateful for the support from our teachers in Denmark and the friends I made along the way. Moving forward, I’m determined to carry the lessons learned and the passion ignited by this journey into whatever comes next.