Margie Sembereka is the Food Security Programme Assistant at VSO Malawi in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital. Here she describes VSO’s work in food security, its success with a group of citrus fruit farmers and why Malawians like to take things pang ‘ono pang ‘ono…
Can you tell me about VSO Malawi’s food security programme and where you fit in to it?
Malawi has maize shortages and chronic under nutrition, so VSO is responding by supporting people in feeding and nourishing themselves. This means they’ll be healthy enough to work and make a good living. Food security volunteers include agriculturalists, horticulturalists, irrigation engineers and nutritionists, and my job is to support them. That includes sorting out their flights, accommodation, household equipment and volunteer allowances. Additionally I’ve been involved in the process of developing volunteer placements for the food security programme.
I’m also responsible for clearing all volunteers with the government, and I co-ordinate the in-country training for new volunteers. I run the VSO guesthouse here in the Lilongwe as well.
Can you give me an example of an achievement in food security?
We work with an organization in the south of Malawi called the Zipatso Association. It’s a group of farmers growing citrus fruits. Before we worked with them, they were selling their produce in Mwanza district only. But now that they have a VSO business development volunteer the farmers can access more markets and are even selling their fruits to hotels. That’s more income for them, and that makes me proud working in food security.
How is VSO perceived in Malawi?
There are lots of new people working for the government who don’t know much about our work here in Malawi, so it’s harder for us to get work permits for volunteers. Even though we have been in Malawi for over 40 years, VSO is not as well known as it should be. We need to publicize VSO’s work and put VSO on the map. That’s my passion and I would like to have a strategy for that, time permitting!
What would you say to volunteers who were thinking of coming to Malawi? What should they expect?
They should not expect Malawians to be on time! There is no hurry in Malawi - we call it pang`ono pang`ono (little by little). Even the way we walk tells people that there is no hurry in Malawi. Volunteers should expect smiling people and will be greeted by people who don’t even know them. Even in a 20-seat bus you will find someone sitting close to you even if there’s lots of space in the bus! And Malawi is a very beautiful country with friendly people who are always willing to help. That’s why we’re called the warm heart of Africa.
What's the best thing about working for VSO Malawi?
We have a really good working atmosphere. We’re a great team and all get on well – we are all equals. It’s diverse too: working with people of different nationalities is definitely a plus. All in all the office makes me look forward to going to work every day.