Hope4Malawi Podcast

In this powerful and emotional episode, hosts Sherry and Charis are joined by Amanda, youth pastor at St Paul’s Church, as she reflects on leading a group of young people on a life-changing trip to Malawi with Hope4Malawi.Amanda shares the journey from planning and fundraising to arriving in Malawi and witnessing firsthand the realities of life in a developing country. She speaks about the impact the experience had on both her and the young people she led, highlighting their resilience, openness, and the meaningful connections they built with local communities.Through deeply moving stories—including meeting a young student living independently to pursue education, moments of prayer and transformation, and encounters that revealed both hardship and incredible joy. Amanda offers an honest and heartfelt insight into the power of perspective, faith, and human connection.This episode explores how even small acts, whether through sponsorship, encouragement, or simply showing up—can make a lasting difference in someone’s life, and challenges us to rethink the impact we can have from wherever we are.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, hosts Sherry and Charis are joined by Phoebe, who shares her deeply personal experience of spending five weeks in Malawi and the lasting impact it had on her life.Phoebe reflects on the emotional reality of arriving in a completely different culture, the initial shock of what she encountered, and how the experience became a journey of healing, growth, and perspective. From building meaningful relationships with local staff and students to teaching music and supporting activities in schools, she shares the moments that stayed with her long after returning home.The conversation also explores some of the more challenging realities faced by girls in Malawi, including stigma around menstruation, lack of access to basic hygiene products, and harmful cultural practices. Sherry and Charis discuss how Hope4Malawi is working to break these cycles through education programmes like Ufulu, helping girls stay in school and empowering them with knowledge and confidence.Honest, heartfelt, and at times difficult, this episode sheds light on both the challenges and the hope within the communities Hope4Malawi serves — and how meaningful change can begin with awareness, conversation, and compassion.Please note: this episode contains discussion of sensitive topics that some listeners may find distressing.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a differenceSupport the show

In this insightful episode, Sherry is joined by Charis to explore the academic and literacy programmes being delivered in primary schools across Malawi.Charis shares how initiatives like phonics sessions, guided reading, and interactive iPad learning are helping to strengthen essential English and comprehension skills among students. She also highlights the unique role of the literacy team—many of whom were once supported through Hope for Malawi’s programmes and are now giving back to their communities.The conversation looks at how these initiatives are creating more engaging classroom environments, supporting teachers, and contributing to a growing number of students progressing into secondary education. From early reading development to targeted support for Year 8 exam preparation, this episode offers a meaningful look at how education is opening doors for the next generation.Join us for an encouraging conversation about learning, opportunity, and the long-term impact of investing in education.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this episode, hosts Sherry and Charis are joined by Hope4Malawi trustees Sara and Mark to explore the charity’s vision and plans for the year ahead. Together they discuss the organisation’s mission to support communities through education, skills training, and sustainable development.Sara and Mark share how Hope4Malawi is investing in staff development, expanding literacy programmes in local schools, and strengthening the Youth Development Programme to equip young people with practical skills, character, and faith to shape their futures. They also outline exciting building projects, including new classrooms, a library, and expanded facilities at the Hope Skills Centre.The conversation highlights the growing impact of sustainable farming initiatives and community partnerships that are helping families improve their livelihoods and build resilience for the future. From empowering local leaders to supporting young people into education and employment, this episode offers a hopeful look at the projects and people driving change in Malawi.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this thoughtful and inspiring episode, hosts Sherry and Charis are joined by Guy, a trustee of Hope4Malawi, as he reflects on his journey from supporter to trustee and his first visit to Malawi in 2024. Guy shares how he and his wife Rebecca became involved with the charity and what drew him to support Hope 4Malawi’s long-term vision.The conversation centres on I Learn About, an innovative audio-visual learning programme introduced during his visit, which helps students explore sustainability, farming, environmental care, and responsible use of resources through engaging lessons and practical challenges. Guy explains how hands-on activities — from soil testing to community litter picks — bring learning to life and empower young people to think differently about their environment and future.Guy also reflects on the transformative impact of visiting Malawi, the importance of empowering local leadership, and the role strong governance plays in ensuring lasting, community-led change. This episode offers a deeper look at how education, sustainability, and thoughtful partnership can work together to create meaningful, long-term impact.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this reflective and eye-opening episode, hosts Sherry and Charis explore how Christmas is celebrated in the communities Hope4Malawi works with — and how different it can look from the traditions many of us are used to in the UK. Drawing on insights from Andrew, a key member of the Malawi team, Charis shares how Christmas is often marked as a serious, faith-centred occasion, focused on church, prayer, and shared meals rather than presents, decorations, or festivities.The conversation also introduces the Christmas Experience, a creative initiative designed to bring the nativity story to life for children during the season. Through drama, costumes, and interactive workshops led by Youth Development Programme (YDP) students, the team is helping children engage with the meaning of Christmas in a powerful and inclusive way. Sherry and Charis reflect on the impact this has had — not only on the children, but on the YDP students themselves, building confidence, purpose, and a renewed passion to share hope within their communities.This episode offers a thoughtful look at faith, culture, and inclusion, and highlights how simple, intentional initiatives can create lasting change for both the young people of Malawi and those who serve alongside them.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this inspiring episode, Sherry and Charis sit down with Rebecca and Sally — two trustees of Hope4Malawi to reflect on their transformative first trip to rural Malawi. With backgrounds in teaching, literacy, and special needs education, they share how they prepared for months to create phonics booklets, English resources, and interactive lessons for classes.From the joy of seeing children engage with learning, to the challenge of adapting on the spot (including an unexpected Macbeth lesson!), Rebecca and Sally take us inside the classrooms where education is opening doors to opportunity. They also discuss the feeding programme, the farming and bicycle projects their husbands supported, and the enormous impact that early English literacy can have on a child’s future in a region where exams and pathways out of poverty depend on it.But alongside the practical work, this episode highlights something deeper: the warmth, gratitude, and joy of the communities they met. Rebecca and Sally reflect on the simplicity and contentment they witnessed, the song that moved them to tears on their final day, and how Malawi reshaped their understanding of what truly matters.Join us for a thoughtful, uplifting conversation about education, hope, and the beauty of shared purpose and discover how two weeks in Malawi left a lifelong imprint on their hearts.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this heartfelt episode, Sherry and Charis sit down with a special guest — Charis’s dad, Steve — to reflect on his two trips to Malawi and the impact they’ve had on him and the communities he served.Steve shares memorable moments from helping launch the Skills Centre to teaching bike maintenance with YDP students, as well as his experience delivering the Ufulu programme to teenage boys. From the joy of seeing new classrooms in Mpemba to the challenges of limited resources, his stories highlight the resilience, humour, and hope found in everyday moments.Join us for an honest and uplifting conversation about service, family, and the small acts that create lasting change.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this thoughtful and inspiring episode, hosts Sherry and Charis are joined by Samuel Goodman, son of Hope4Malawi founders Mark and Sara. Samuel shares reflections from his recent trip to Malawi — his first in six years — offering a unique glimpse into how the country, its communities, and Hope4Malawi’s projects have grown and changed.From the development of Hope Secondary School and the new Skills Centre farm to the evolving landscape of rural Malawi, Samuel brings first-hand insight into both the progress and the challenges he witnessed. He speaks openly about faith, community, and the deep sense of peace he found while reconnecting with the people and places that shaped his childhood.With stories of prayer, farming, and friendship — and honest reflections on what true development really means — this episode beautifully captures how hope continues to flourish in Malawi.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this inspiring and nostalgic episode, hosts Sherry and Charis are joined by Pauline and Gerry — two of Hope for Malawi’s very first trustees and long-time friends of founders Mark and Sarah. Together, they look back on the charity’s incredible journey from its humble beginnings to the thriving projects it supports today.Pauline and Gerry share heartfelt memories of early fundraising efforts — from a small night that surpassed expectations, to a London-to-Paris cycle ride that funded a school kitchen. They reflect on how the charity grew step by step, the birth of the sponsorship programme, and the profound impact education has had on children and families in Malawi.With warmth, humour, and wisdom, they discuss the challenges, blessings, and sense of purpose that have come from being part of Hope4Malawi since day one — and how seeing lives transformed through education continues to inspire them.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this insightful episode, Sherry and Charis take a break from guest interviews for an open and inspiring conversation about Charis’s own journey with Hope for Malawi. From her first three-week volunteer trip in 2022 to spending three transformative months in Malawi in 2024, Charis shares how her passion for the country and its people grew into her current role as Project Coordinator and UK Supporter Relations lead.She reflects on the creation and growth of the Ufulu Programme—a 12-session course designed to help primary school students understand emotions, health, and self-worth through interactive teaching and biblical values. Together, Sherry and Charis discuss the challenges of addressing sensitive topics across cultures, the importance of building genuine relationships with communities, and the remarkable changes seen in children’s confidence, behaviour, and outlook.Full of heart, hope, and humanity, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create meaningful, lasting impact through education and compassion.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a differenceSupport the show

In this inspiring episode, Sherry and Charis welcome fellow trustee Sara to share the story of Hope for Malawi’s new Youth Development Programme—a year-long initiative helping recent school leavers in rural Malawi bridge the gap between secondary school and their next big step.Sara describes how the programme nurtures faith, character, and practical skills, from tailoring and computing to sustainable farming, bike maintenance, and healthy living. You’ll hear uplifting moments like Raphael’s journey from struggling student to confident builder, and learn how the Hope Skills Centre, opened in 2023, has already graduated its first 20 students.Together they explore how this holistic approach is transforming young lives and strengthening the local community, and share simple ways you can support the next cohort—from sponsoring a student to helping fund sewing machines for the tailoring course.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this inspiring follow-up episode, Sherry and Charis welcome Ben back to share the second half of his life-changing trip to Malawi. From teaching at Hope Secondary School and meeting students like Culture and Eric, to visiting homes and seeing how faith and education open doors for the next generation, Ben offers vivid stories of resilience and joy.He also reflects on unexpected engineering adventures—inspecting new bridges, exploring construction projects, and witnessing the creativity that thrives even with limited resources. Most of all, Ben speaks about how the experience transformed his perspective on gratitude, contentment, and living with purpose.Join us for a conversation filled with hope, faith, and the power of education to spark lasting change. 🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this inspiring episode, Sherry and Charis sit down with Ben to hear about his very first trip to Malawi. From arriving at a bungalow compound and witnessing unforgettable sunsets, to joining in the vibrant joy of a Malawian church service, Ben shares the moments that moved him most.He reflects on teaching in rural schools, where classes are sometimes held under trees and resources are scarce, yet the children’s welcome is full of energy and hope. Music also plays a central role in his story — from jamming with local musicians to leading songs with hundreds of children. And in a powerful moment of faith, Ben recalls praying with a student and witnessing a life-changing healing.This conversation is filled with honesty, laughter, and heartfelt stories of connection, showing how one trip can transform not only the children and communities in Malawi, but also those who go to serve.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a differenceSupport the show

In this uplifting episode, Sherry and Charis are joined by Fiona, mum of Charis — one of Hope4Malawi’s team — to share her unique perspective as both a parent and a supporter of the charity. Fiona reflects on her first journey to Malawi, where she stepped into classrooms to teach phonics, spent time cooking with schools, and experienced first-hand the warmth and resilience of the communities she visited.She opens up about the deep connections formed through sponsorship, the joy of seeing children thrive with opportunity, and the life-changing lessons she brought home — from witnessing gratitude in the midst of scarcity to finding faith and hope renewed in unexpected ways.It’s an inspiring conversation about family, service, and the heart of giving — reminding us that even simple acts of kindness can build bridges across cultures and generations.If you'd like to know more about sponsorship and when Fiona met Rachel, her sponsored student, you can read all about it here: https://www.hope4malawi.org/post/student-sponsors-visit-malawi 🌍 Learn more or become a sponsor at hope4malawi.org🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of faith, education, and hope in action.Support the show

In this inspiring episode, Sherry and Charis sit down with Sara, one of the trustees of Hope4Malawi, to explore the transformative impact of the charity’s student sponsorship programme. They reflect on how the initiative began in 2017 with just a handful of students and has since grown into a vital lifeline for children whose families can’t afford secondary or university education. Sara shares how sponsorship helps bridge the gap between academic potential and real opportunity, especially when children are selected for top schools but have no means to attend.The conversation digs into what sponsorship really means beyond just paying school fees. From covering transport and essentials to offering mentoring, encouragement, and regular visits, the programme is designed to support each student holistically. Charis shares her experience visiting schools in Malawi and seeing how the stable environment of boarding school — free from daily chores, food insecurity, and lack of electricity — helps students focus, grow, and succeed.It’s a moving look at the long-term power of education, the value of consistent support, and the difference that one sponsor can make in the life of a child and beyond.🌍 Learn more or become a sponsor at hope4malawi.org🎧 Stay tuned for more conversations about dignity, education, and hope in action.Support the show

In this heartfelt episode, Sherry and Charis speak with Naomi, a long-time volunteer with Hope for Malawi, about her three trips to Malawi over the past decade. From helping launch the “My Girl” project—focused on menstrual health education and keeping girls in school—to leading team trips and supporting long-term change, Naomi reflects on the cultural challenges, breakthroughs, and the power of education to uplift lives.She also shares how her time in Malawi has shaped her personally—changing how she sees privilege, choice, and what truly matters. From witnessing joy in simplicity to navigating the return home to a world of overwhelming abundance, Naomi’s story is one of humility, growth, and deep connection.Join us for a moving conversation about womanhood, education, compassion, and lasting impact — and discover how one trip can spark a lifelong connection to a cause that changes lives across continents.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this inspiring episode, Charis and Sarah are joined by the Lott family — Paul, Louisa, Sam, and Barney — as they reflect on their life-changing trip to Malawi. Paul, a teacher at Kings Ely School, shares how the school’s partnership with Hope for Malawi has grown from modest beginnings into a powerful movement that now sponsors students, raises significant funds, and fosters lasting relationships across continents.The family recounts their emotional visit to Hope School, their connection with the people, and the incredible joy, gratitude, and resilience they encountered. From teaching science lessons and hosting Easter assemblies, to walking long distances to students’ homes and witnessing firsthand the challenges and triumphs of education in Malawi, their stories highlight the deep impact of community, compassion, and shared purpose.Join us as we explore the real meaning of hope, the power of education, and how simple acts of kindness can change lives—on both sides of the world.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this heartfelt episode, hosts Charis and Sherry sit down with Maria and Charlotte, two young volunteers preparing for their first youth trip to Malawi. Though they haven’t travelled yet, their excitement, reflections, and hopes paint a powerful picture of why this journey matters.They open up about why they applied, what they’re looking forward to, and how they feel about stepping out of their comfort zones. With honesty and curiosity, they share what they hope to learn — not just about Malawi, but about themselves, faith, and community.This episode is a reminder that the journey of serving others often begins long before you arrive — in listening, preparing, and opening your heart.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In one of our most entertaining and unique episodes yet, hosts Sherry and Charis are joined by comedian and entertainer Tim Vine for a wide-ranging conversation that blends humour, creativity, and heart. Tim shares his journey into stand-up, his love for songwriting, and how he crafts comedy.While known for his quick wit, Tim also brings thoughtful reflections on purpose, creativity, and giving back. He discusses his support for Hope for Malawi and what drew him to the charity’s mission. The episode closes with fun Malawi trivia, laughter, and a deeper look at how seemingly small efforts can create ripples of lasting change.You can find out more about when Tim hosted our quiz night here: https://www.hope4malawi.org/post/quiz-night-raises-the-roof-and-over-5-000🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org 🎧 Stay tuned for more stories of generosity, purpose, and people making a difference.Support the show

In this inspiring episode, hosts Sherry and Charis sit down with Mark, co-founder of Hope4Malawi, to explore the remarkable journey of how a single family trip grew into a life-changing mission.Mark shares how the charity began, the power of relationships in Malawian communities, and the growth of their work—from feeding programs and classroom construction to the development of Hope Secondary School and Hope Skills Centre. Hear how listening to local needs, partnering with communities, and fostering long-term commitment has created real, sustainable impact.With stories of determination, generosity, and a deeper look at rural life in Malawi, this episode is a powerful reminder of how education and compassion can help break the cycle of poverty.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org (that’s the number 4!)🎧 Stay tuned for future episodesSupport the show

In this powerful episode, hosts Charis and Sherry are joined by Alunda, one of the trustees of Hope4Malawi—and a proud Malawian. Born and raised in Malawi, Alunda shares her heartfelt story of moving to the UK at 17, the emotional journey of adjusting to a new culture, and how her roots continue to shape her life and purpose.Together, they explore the contrasts between life in Malawi and the UK, what it means to stay connected to your homeland, and how Alunda’s recent visit to the projects in Malawi reignited her passion for giving back. From the dedication of local teachers to the impact of well-resourced schools in remote areas, this episode is a reminder of the power of listening, humility, and long-term commitment to transformation.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org (with the number 4!)🎧 Stay tuned for future episodesSupport the show

Welcome to the very first episode of the Hope4Malawi podcast! Join hosts Sherry and Charis as they sit down with Sara, one of the charity’s founding members, to explore how a family trip in 2008 sparked a journey that would lead to real, lasting change in Malawi.In this heartwarming episode, Sara shares the origins of the charity, stories of inspiring individuals she's met along the way, and the power of building meaningful, respectful partnerships with local communities. Discover how education, feeding programs, youth development, and deep relationships have become the heart of their mission—and how the people of Malawi continue to give back in ways that transform everyone involved.🌍 Learn more at hope4malawi.org (remember, that’s the number 4!)🎧 Up next: A powerful conversation with Alunda, a Malawian trustee who brings a unique perspective from both Malawi and the UK.Support the show