BTCV’s work in Makumba Village began through a connection with community leader Jonathan Kandodo and Changer Joe Ford, whose passion for service helped launch this partnership in rural southern Malawi. After a site evaluation in 2022, BTCV committed to a phased school-building project grounded in strong community leadership and local collaboration.
In 2023, a devastating tropical cyclone struck southern Malawi, damaging roads and limiting access to materials. The Makumba community responded with determination—repairing roads, sourcing supplies, and working side by side with BTCV teams to keep the project moving forward. Since then, multiple classrooms and supporting infrastructure, including footbridges, have been completed.
Several classrooms have been built in honor of Joe Ford’s legacy, carried forward by BTCV teams that include members of his family and fellow Changers who continue his commitment to service. With teams returning in 2025 and plans to return again in 2026, Makumba stands as a powerful example of resilience, partnership, and hand-delivered hope. In 2026 we will be working on the fourth classroom. As the campus classrooms move toward full completion, the team will focus on the structural work of this classroom.
Our Story
BTCV Malawi Team #1 2023
The above photos were sent to BTCV by our friend and Changer Joe Ford who had been working with Jonathan Kandodo on a Habitat for Humanity Project in another nearby village. Joe later connected Jonathan with Be The Change Volunteers about working on this school in rural Makumba Village which is located in the Southern Region of Malawi. After an extensive application process was completed along with a site visit a first phase project was competed.
Right before the project was set to launch in March, 2023 southern Malawi was hit by a major tropical cyclone that caused widespread devastation to the Southern Region of the country. BTCV Community Partner, Jonathan Kandodo, worked with the local community and the project engineer to quickly acquire building materials that were becoming very scarce during the reconstruction efforts. In addition, many of the roads leading to the school were damaged, but this did not stop the project from moving forward. Members of the community, at the direction of the village chief and with the coordination of Jonathan, worked to patch the roads allowing trucks with construction materials to reach the site.
On the first day at the school, the team was welcomed by local volunteers and teachers who shared the story of Makumba Primary School. The team was then taken on parade with the community singing and marching along for a tour of the village. This incredible, warm welcome truly set the tone for a very special week to come! During the week, local volunteers and the BTCV team worked together to complete several service projects across the school campus.
The BTCV team truly worked hard and played hard! With the addition of the first-ever metal goals with a net for the soccer pitch, the local soccer clubs were thrilled! The team had two skilled volleyball players who brought a bag of volleyballs to teach this new game to the school. The teachers and students quickly picked up the sport and everyone enjoyed playing together for hours. It was another great example of cultural exchange that is a core part of our mission at BTCV!
Along with veteran changers from past projects many members of Joe’s family made up this team who chose to carry the torch of service travelled afar, got out of their comfort zones and gave generously to the new LEGACY classroom in honour of the late CHANGER Joe Ford.
Whats Next in Makumba Malawi???
We have a long term plan in Malawi that includes multiple classrooms and added infrastructure. Join a future BTCV Team and help us Hand Deliver Hope in Malawi!
In 2025, Be the Change Volunteers will construct Classroom Number 3 in Makumba Village, marking the latest milestone in a partnership that began with a 2022 site evaluation. The community’s dedication to education, evident in their makeshift classrooms, inspired BTCV to commit to a phased-building project. Following successful projects in 2023 and 2024, including the construction of Classroom Number 2 and two foot bridges.