They have few productive assets, few opportunities to generate any income outside of agriculture, are poorly educated, malnourished and in poor health. Malawi has one of the world s highest rates of HIV infection, resulting in an increase in the number of orphans and malnourished children, a loss of production and a drain on already meagre resources. It is estimated that by 2010, about two million people will be infected and an equal number will have died from AIDS-related illnesses, including up to half of Malawi s teachers, nurses, army and police personnel. VSO aims to increase the opportunities for youth to have a role and identity in society and their ability to sustain improved livelihoods, through placing volunteers to support the provision of quality education. VSO places English, maths and science teachers in rural CDSSs.
Volunteers train teachers and teacher trainers, and help to improve educational management.
Sports volunteers have successfully boosted the participation of secondary schools in sports tournaments. Two volunteers are currently working as special education primary teachers. Health tutor volunteers provide medical training to ensure improved and sustainable health care services. Current volunteers are pharmacy, nurse, laboratory assistant, rehabilitation assistant, midwifery and clinical tutors. Technical volunteers work as hospital maintenance supervisors to help district and regional health offices to maintain the physical assets, such as medical equipment and hospital buildings.