Volunteers
From Left: Annette Mkhandawire, Vickness Gondwe,
Betty Delaney, Ulemu Phuma, Twesha and
Rose Botha (at back) with child Gloria
during a day out at Nkhata May Bay 2010
A list of present and recent volunteers:
- Archangle Chirwa and Adam are final year ICT students at Mzuzu University and volunteer their service to keeping the
computers of Ungweru in good shape.
- Mrs Elizabeth Delaney is our most recent Irish Volunteer. Betty, as we know her in Ungweru, is spear-heading a
renewable energy venture where she has persuaded the Heads of Departments etc of Mzuzu University to collect all its
waste paper in order for some local villagers to recycle it in the form of compressed fuel brickettes which will be used
in special energy efficient stoves which are also promoted by Ungweru. These energy efficient stoves are made by
the same villagers using local clay and firing them in a locally constructed oven. All this is taking place within the
wider vision of Ungweru of promoting sustainable development. Betty is also instructing local youth (and some not so
youth!) in the art of making a Curriculum Vitae and then schooling these same people in the skills needed for
succeeding in an interview. Betty is further involved in Tandazga Child Day Care Centre promoting the development
of the pre-school child. Betty does not confine herself to just Ungweru ---she has recently decked out the Altar Boys at
St Augustine's Parish Main Church with eight new white gowns plus their trappings in all the colours of the Liturgical
Calendar of the Catholic Church. Betty has also compiled the first Child Protection Policy for Ungweru which is now
being implemented.
- Twesa and Fishani are the most recent fulltime Malawian volunteers. Twesa has a diploma in Rural and Community
Development and is working in the Community Programs Office. She works together with Betty in the renewable
energy paper recycling project as Twesa monitors all such renewable energy efforts for Ungweru. Twesa is also
working with Msiki Aids Support Group making a 'needs assessment' as well as providing training for its leaders. She
does not confine herself to Msiki but also has joined forces with Annette in monitoring other groups. Fishani is
qualified in accountancy and works as a tutor in the Computer Room as well as being a prominent member of
Ungweru youth giving much direction there. Fishani from time to time helps out in various community trainings which
Ungweru gives.
- Steven and Carmel Delaney returned to Co Kilkenny in Ireland in December 2009 after 6 weeks of various activities.
Carmel was mainly involved in a teaching program and left this report . Steven was involved in the planning of a
'hand on pig project' as well as providing transport to various groups and peoples. Many Thanks to both Steven and
Carmel for their work here.
- Tom O'Dwyer is from Co Tipperary, Ireland. He arrived in Malawi end of October 2009. Tom is Technical Advisor to
Ungweru and from January to June 2010 has acted as it Executive Secretary. He has worked tirelessly at putting in
management structures in Ungweru which will see the new NGO off to a good start. This page is not big enough to
recount all the activities that Tom is engaged in !
- Eilis McDonald is involved in education issues. Eilis is from Co Wicklow, Ireland. She arrived in Malawi end of
October 2009. Eilis departed towards the end of January.


Kelvin is bemused that
Tom is holding a pot!