Safety in Blantyre, Malawi What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
Always lock the back door at Life Child preschool. neighborhood kids stole food from our kitchen and one kid was found in a sleeping room while people were still in the house. Items you leave outside will probably end up in kids’ pockets. you can play with kids in the front but don’t allow them to climb over the wall or to go in the back yard.
Many men in the street are drunk, ignore them. don’t take the mini buses after dark. When walking around the neighborhood bring a black brother or sister with you.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Blantyre, Malawi Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
Relationship opportunities are every where take advantage of them. If working at the preschool spend time training the teachers as well as teaching the students. Be vocal about creative ideas you might have. Life Child really values following the Holy Spirit. If you tell the contact, Jarvis, he will help you to follow through with those ministries.
Lodging
Lodging in Blantyre, Malawi Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
Electricity and water turn off frequently, usually at least once a day. Water off longest 5 days so keep water buckets and basins full. The shops on the main street of Balute are fun and offer food staples: butter, peanut butter, eggs, milk, oil, flour, sugar, fruits and veggies. Also Fanta and a variety of delicious breads. When shopping at places without labeled price try to take a black sister or broth or else you might get white skin prices. WiFi is hard to come by and very slow when you do find it. Shoprite at Chichiri shopping center has several internet options. Skyband is usually the fastest but more expensive because its sold by megabyte. Having no Wifi WILL be a BLESSING for you and your team. EMBRACE IT. type up emails on word and copy into email if wifi ever happens.
Doogle’s LodgeAddress: Past Wenela, Off Chileka road, Blantyre (right by the Wenela bus station)Reservation Line: +265 111 602 710, +265 888 999 531, +265 999 186 512Website: www.dooglesmalawi.comStayed 7 in dorm room, bunk beds with mosquito nets provided.$12 per person per night.Clean , co-ed bathrooms and showers, but only a few of them had warm water.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Blantyre, Malawi What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
Don’t plan to have refrigeration most of the time. store prices are pretty pricey. you will eat a lot of vegetarian meals. Stove can be used when you have electricity, but beware of the stove. it sometimes shocks you so wear rubber shoes. If no electricity , be prepared and have charcoal on hand. The back of Shoprite has delicious baked goods to buy. Lunch (rice and beans) is provided everyday during the school year. Take advantage of the local stands and shops that sell goods and veggies. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. Also make team meals together. Its a great bonding time.
Didn’t have access to a kitchen at Doogle’s, but could ask for hot water so we sometimes had ramen for a meal, which you could get at the grocery store for 100-400kwacha. Also had a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Could buy meals at the lodge, but the average was 2000-2500kwacha. But they did have delicious samosas for 300kwacha each.
Transportation
Transportation in Blantyre, Malawi What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
Ask your contact specifically what bus company to use for getting from Lilongwe to Blantyre. While staying in Blantyre, if you are paying the contact for transportation call him before going on the mini bus. If you take a mini bus, have an African brother or sister show you haw its done and give you info on prices. Enjoy the Ride and wave to everyone. The people love it.
Medical
Medical in Blantyre, Malawi Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
Carry a first aid kit.
If you swim in Lake Malawi, you will almost certainly get schistomiasis (a parasite). It can be treated with praziquantol, which can be bought easily/affordably at the pharmacy. Do your research beforehand to decide if it’s a risk you want to take.
Communication
Communication in Blantyre, Malawi Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
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Financial
Financial in Blantyre, Malawi Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
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Translators
Translators in Blantyre, Malawi List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
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Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Blantyre, Malawi What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
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Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Blantyre, Malawi Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
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Tips
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Additional Info
Additional Info in Blantyre, Malawi Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?