A primary school building in Malawi
A close up shot of Theonas, a VSO volunteer

Welcome to Theonas' Blog

All about Theonas

Theonas standing outside a school he volunteers at

Moni onse! I’m Theonas Kalumika, an education specialist volunteer in Malawi. Before I started volunteering for VSO, I was a primary school teacher for 13 years and spent 18 years as a primary education advisor. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to update you more on how your support is changing the lives of many children.

Malawi VSO pin badge

In Malawi, poor learning conditions and a lack of resources have created barriers to children’s education.

Over two thirds of students don’t finish primary school and those that do often lack the skills needed to thrive as older children and adults. Many primary schools have classes full of hundreds of students but only one teacher, meaning many children get left behind in their education, and eventually drop out altogether.

By supporting children with educational tablets, they're taking huge leaps in their learning. I was very excited when I heard about the work VSO is doing in schools in Malawi, and ever since I started volunteering I've been able to share my knowledge with everyone here. I can't wait to update you on how our work here in Malawi is going, and how your support is helping change children's lives. 

 

Theonas Kalumika's updates

Theonas, Peter and Mphatso stand in front of the learning centre
VSO/Halifax Trading

Goodbye from Malawi

Moni onse – hello everyone! It’s Theo with my final update from the VSO education project in Malawi. Read on to hear how your support is helping children here get the quality education they deserve. Thank you for all your support along the way, it’s been a pleasure writing to you and keeping you updated with the difference you’re making. 

Theonas stands in one of the many schools he volunteers at in Malawi
VSO/Halifax Trading

A closer look at life in Malawi...

In this update, I’m sharing photos that give you a the chance to peek through the windows and doors of a classroom in Malawi, as well as a look into the lives of our students and teachers.

Peter, Alinafe and Theonas stand outside her classroom
VSO/Halifax Trading

Meet Alinafe

In this update, you’ll hear about the barriers to education faced by girls in Malawi - and how your support is helping us tackle these. I’ll also tell you about an incredible 9-year-old called Alinafe*, and how the educational tablets you’ve made possible are making a huge difference to her learning.

VSO volunteer Theo and VSO staff member Wezzie.
Halifax Trading Malawi

Girls' education in Malawi

In this update, you’ll hear from VSO staff member and project manager, Wezzie, who is responsible for making sure VSO continues to improve children’s education in Malawi. Wezzie will give you a bit of an insight into her role, project plans for the new year, and why advocating for girls’ education is so important.

VSO volunteer Theo, student Thoko, teacher Peter and VSO volunteer Prisca.
Halifax Trading Malawi

A look back at 2024: A time for reflection

In this update, we look back at this year and reflect on some of the wonderful achievements that we've accomplished together - thanks to your support. You can watch a short video to see for yourself how valuable your gifts are.

Teacher Peter, VSO volunteer Theo and student Thoko.
Halifax Trading Malawi

Life in Peter's classroom

In this update, you’ll meet Peter, one of the dedicated primary school teachers I work closely with. Peter will tell you about his experience teaching a class of 200 children and the difference the learning centre and educational tablets are making to his students. You’ll also hear about 10-year-old Thoko, who’s seen incredible improvements in his learning, attendance and enjoyment of school since the project began. 

VSO volunteer Theo and VSO staff member and Project Manager, Atu.

Meet Atu, Project Manager

In this update, you’ll hear from VSO staff member and Project Manager, Atu, who manages the education project here in Malawi. He’ll tell you a bit about his role and how the learning centres and educational tablets have helped children learn in the schools he works at.  Atu supports me in my work as an Education Specialist, and makes sure I have everything I need to support the students.

VSO volunteer Theo, teacher Peter and VSO volunteer Prisca.
Halifax Trading Malawi

Meet Prisca: A day in her life

In this update, you’ll meet my fellow VSO volunteer, Prisca, who’ll share more about her own experiences on the project. You’ll also hear more about the VSO learning centres and tablet technology, and how these are making a real, lasting difference to children across Malawi. Thank you as ever for your continued support.

VSO volunteer Prisca, teacher Peter, student Alinafe, and VSO volunteer Theo, standing outside a classroom block.
Halifax Trading Malawi

Join me on a Malawian school tour

In this update, I’ll be taking you through one of the 17 primary schools I work in. I’ll show you around the school grounds, inside one of the classrooms and a VSO learning centre, and how the children use the educational tablets. 

VSO volunteer Theo and headteacher, Artwel.
Halifax Trading Malawi

A day in the life of a head teacher in Malawi

In this update, I'll be handing you over to my friend and head teacher of a primary school in Malawi. He tells me how, thanks to you, the educational tablets have made a life-changing difference to the children in his school. 

Theonas standing outside a school he volunteers at
VSO/Halifax Trading

Transforming education for children across Malawi

In this update I’m delighted to introduce you to VSO’s education project, where me and my fellow volunteers are providing educational technology and sharing our skills in hundreds of primary schools across Malawi. The impact this is having on children’s attendance, confidence and learning is incredible - and it’s only possible thanks to your kind support.

A close up shot of Theonas, a VSO volunteer

Want to ask a question?

VSO’s Sponsor a Volunteer team will share your message with the VSO volunteer and get back to you with a response. Your email address will not be used, disclosed or transferred to any VSO personnel, it will be stored securely in accordance with VSOs privacy policy. A sample of messages including display names will be published to the Sponsor a Volunteer homepage each month.

Your latest questions answered

SAV User icon
Norman
Hi Theo, Thank you for your Email and I will start my response by mentioning I have a Great Grandson, Christian names Theodor Norman. You volunteers are giving your countries a promise of a better life in the years to come. Be proud of yourself Theo.
Theonas
A close up shot of Theonas, a VSO volunteer
Dear Norman,
Ooo that's nice to hear, Norman. It is very inspirational and encouraging to hear about Theodore, who is 3, doing great work with a tablet computer. Rarely, can you find a child at 3 using a tablet, here, you may hear such ages to be at a day care centre.
Norman, I am 60 now. My life has been spent in teaching and supporting education related projects. I was once an inspector and advisor of primary schools hear in Malawi before I joined VSO. I had at one point in my life visited UK when I was doing some studies. I lived in Luton for five years from 2009 to 2014. I liked being there and learnt many things. However, when my Visa ended I returned to my home, Malawi. I hope one other day I will revisit UK and meet Mr.Norman, God willing and keeping fingers crossed.
Norman, honestly you right, learning through the tablets makes children to learn fast and quickly because from my experiences the learners learn at their own pace and they are entertained as the learn, this makes them to develop great interest in the lessons . Indeed, if things continue going on like this, we may have a better Malawi. At this juncture let me thank you sincerely, Norman, for the support you give to VSO, it is making children here in Malawi and other parts of the world access tablet usage. Thanks, thanks a lot for this kindness.

Hope to reach 80 one day, like you, despite the tough conditions we are experiencing.😜😜
Greetings to Theodor.

Regards
Theo
SAV User icon
Jenny
Dear Theo, Thank you for your April newsletter. I am very impressed by the valuable service you and your colleagues are doing in Malawi. The children are obviously gaining enormously from the new educational technology you are providing. Thank you.
Theonas
A close up shot of Theonas, a VSO volunteer
Dear Jenny
Oooo, that's nice to hear, Jenny. Your encouraging words will be shared to my colleagues and I am pretty sure that this will empower us all to work well through our hardships and efforts in the field. Continue giving support to VSO so that some rural children may access the basic education knowledge and skills. We salute you.

Regards
Theo
SAV User icon
Ganesh
Thank you for your report. Congratulations on the wonderful work you are doing. Long May you continue Regards Ganesh
Theonas
A close up shot of Theonas, a VSO volunteer
Hello Ganesh
Thank you so much, Ganesh, for your encouraging words. It is very kind of you to have time and read through my report. Let me also say that your support Ganesh, is doing wonderful work here; allowing some children access the education basics in a modern way. All because of the support you are giving. It is not easy when it comes to thinking about the resources and environment for the teaching and learning process in general.
Thanks alot, you can ask things for your information or knowledge about the situation here.

Regards
Theo
VSO Volunteer Nitin Singh

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