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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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 

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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

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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.

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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.

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