Storytelling Showcase
University of South Carolina students partner with Ministry of Hope
In June, a small group of University of South Carolina students with their two professors embarked on a two-week study abroad service learning trip to Malawi, Africa, in partnership with the Ministry of Hope. Their mission took them to remote villages where they connected with locals while engaging in service projects.​
The group spent two days in Khwamba Village interacting with the locals through shared meals, games, and education. Prior to their departure, the students gathered materials and prepared lessons in science, math, English, and art, designed to engage and educate the children of Khwamba. ​
Upon arrival in Khwamba, the USC students and professors were enthusiastically greeted by a large group of children at the village community center. After introductions, the group quickly realized that many of the children did not speak as much English as they had prepared for, posing an unexpected challenge. Undeterred, the students adapted quickly, altering their lessons to better suit the varying English abilities of the children. ​
Despite the language challenges encountered, the USC students described their interactions with the children and adults who hosted them as warmly welcoming and profoundly meaningful. ​
Speaking on the most enriching aspects of the experience, USC students described the cultural exchange that occurred despite the initial language barriers. ​
For USC senior, Sarah, the experience highlighted the importance of adaptability in unfamiliar settings and demonstrated the power of human connection that transcends language differences.
​“Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by Malawian communities left a lasting impression. I have a deep appreciation for their resilience and spirit,” said Sarah. ​
The group donated many school materials and left all their teaching supplies with the community center in Khwamba so they could continue to be used for lessons in the future.
​Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” due to its friendly people and hospitality, Malawi is located in southeast Africa.
The Warm Heart of Africa:
My Experience in Malawi
In June, I spent two weeks in Malawi, along with a small group of fellow students from the University of South Carolina. We got the unique experience of being able to participate on a study abroad service trip with the help of the Ministry of Hope. Through our partnership with the Ministry, we were able to spend time teaching children in Khwamba village, help with a mobile medical clinic in Chimwang’onmbe, and spend a day at the Crisis Nursery in Lilongwe.
Prior to arriving, we spent time preparing lessons covering a variety of subjects, such as science, math, English, and art, to teach the local children in Khwamba. The lesson I created with my partner, Allison, was about rhyming and English vocabulary.
After a long, bumpy bus ride to the village, we were enthusiastically greeted by a swarm of kids. Their joy was infectious, however, we quickly realized most didn’t know nearly as much English as we had prepared for. Adapting on the fly became second nature as we adjusted our lessons to accommodate for their proficiency in English. The unexpected challenges tested my ability to improvise, but did nothing to dull my happiness. Despite the language barrier, everyone was welcoming and extremely hospitable, and we were able to connect in meaningful ways.
My favorite thing about this experience was the time we spent interacting with the younger kids in Khwamba. Most of the youngest children we encountered at the community center didn’t speak any English, so they didn’t participate in the school lessons. However, we were able to connect through shared games, songs, and cultural exchanges. They eagerly taught us their favorite games—my favorite being one that involved singing, dancing, and clapping. We also taught them our own songs and games, including a lively game of Duck, Duck, Goose. Being able to laugh and play with the little kids was really special because we were able to communicate in ways other than spoken language and provide each other with unforgettable experiences.
This trip taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and the universal languages of compassion and joy. I learned the importance of adaptability in unfamiliar environments. This trip reinforced my belief in the power of human connection transcending language differences.
Witnessing firsthand the daily realities faced by Malawian communities deeply impacted my perspective, I greatly admire the resilience and spirit of Malawi’s people.
This experience has inspired me to keep searching for opportunities that allow me to make a meaningful contribution to communities in need, while also forming connections with people and engaging in cultural exchanges that benefit everyone involved.
