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 high...
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 ...
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 sch...
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 ...
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 ...
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 th...
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 sto...
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 chi...
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 whe...
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—changi...
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 ...
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 M...
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...
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 f...
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 i...
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 educat...