School life
In a Malawi classroom
Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.
All country briefings
Africa · Country briefing
Malawi
A child-friendly mission briefing for Thursday 19 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.
- CapitalLilongwe
- Population~21 million
- Time zoneAfrica/Maputo (UTC +2)
- CurrencyMalawian kwacha (MWK)
Malawi, with Lilongwe marked
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Climate in November: End of dry season or start of wet season; warm.
The capital
Lilongwe
Photo · Wikimedia Commons
Fun facts
What makes Malawi a bit special.
Lake Malawi
One of the world's biggest lakes - packed with rainbow-coloured fish
Open lesson
Mulanje Massif
A giant granite mountain that rises from flat tea-covered plains
Open lesson
Nyika Plateau
A rolling highland grassland full of zebras and wild orchids
Open lesson
Warm Heart of Africa
Malawi's famous national nickname - and the friendliness behind it
Open lesson
Nsima
Malawi's national dish - a thick, smooth maize porridge eaten every day
Open lesson
Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.
Native animals
Wildlife your partner class might know best.
- 🐘
African Elephant
The largest land animal on Earth - and one of the smartest
Open lesson
- 🦛
Hippopotamus
A giant river animal that spends its days soaking in water
Open lesson
- 🦅
African Fish Eagle
Malawi's national bird - famous for its thrilling cry over the lake
Open lesson
- 🐒
Vervet Monkey
A clever, playful monkey found across Malawi's parks and forests
Open lesson
- 🐟
Chambo Fish
Malawi's most loved fish - straight from the lake to the grill
Open lesson
Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.
Greetings to learn
Say hello like a local
- Hello!English
Five questions to ask
Conversation starters
- 01What does your school day look like?
- 02What do you eat at lunch?
- 03What games do you play at break?
- 04What's the weather like today?
- 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?
What not to assume
Friendly cautions
- ℹMalawi has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
- ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Culture
Food, music, sport, festivals.
Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.
Reflection prompts
- “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
- “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”
Could your class meet Malawi?
Choose Malawiwhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.