Journey to Africa By Imani Jean-Gilles

Build On is a non-profit organization where it’s main mission is to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy around the world by building schools in some of the world’s poorest villages. These are called Treks for Knowledge where selected students are chosen to build a school along with local people(from the chosen country). Both sides learn about each others culture's and perspectives on life and together they build on. They build a future for the next generation. They also build hope for those who are willing to make a change. They following photos show the experience of a Trek for Knowledge in Kasungu, Malawi. Where the people are rich with culture and hospitality.

Build On sends students from all over U.S. to go to foreign countries to build schools. Those going to Malawi can easily see Lake Malawi from the plane.

When walking through the village of Kasungu. One will notice the architecture differs from the building style of the U.S. Most houses are made of basic material like hay, wood, and clay. Build On students are set up with a host family and they live with them for about 15 days.

This is the K-Peri family they hosted two Build On students and immersed them in the Malawian culture. Showing them traditional food, dances, songs and games. Shown are the family’s names and age. From left to right is Christi(15),Patrica(12), Mrs. K-Peri, Patiwa(1), Money (7), Tamala(5),Neighbor friend, Evergreeny(3), Nephew of Mr. K-Peri (21).

With no running water villagers have to go back and forth to the community well with giant buckets to fetch water for their families to cook , bathe , and wash clothes. Bringing water or anything on your head is the norm in Malawi. Locals say it is easier because your hands are free and you can bring more items.

In the village you will see many domesticated animals such as chickens, goats and pigs walking around the village. Chickens are called nhukuku in the native tongue of Chichewa.

Patrica(a host sister) is guiding the way to the worksite for Build On students from her home.

Students wake up and have breakfast with each other for about 30 minutes to an hour at the work site. Enjoying Malawian dishes like roasted peanuts, yams, nsima(made of maize flour and water) with fish or hot sauce, relish (vegetables chopped and spiced)and sugar cane.

Each day is something different either building the school or having a culture workshop. Every day students are given directions from their Trek leader Laura.

During trek the students get a chance to venture out through Kasungu to immerse in the Malawian culture. This is a Chitenge (Che-tang-gay)shop. A chitenge is a long and wide clothe that is used for many purposes such as a skirt, head scarf, baby wrap or cover. They come in various beautiful patterns.

While in the streets of Kasungu the 15 trek students are wearing a similar uniform consisting of an ultra bright white t shirt and cargo pants. It causes a lot of attention in the community especially from village kids watching with curiosity.

As trek students continue to explore the local area another child stares with interest. Many people stopped and asked us questions about our stay in Malawi.

After the 15 day trek this is the finished product. In that time period both students and villagers have both learned to work together and respect each others culture.Now this Build On school will help educate and support the future generations of villagers to eliminate illiteracy and break the cycle of poverty.