WC Happenings: New Website, Partnerships and Malawi Staff

Laurel and Jesse
Malawi 2005

Hello from our Asheville and Lilongwe offices! We bring you some exciting news this week. We're confident that you'll like these new developments, as they're aimed at helping to increase our effectiveness and expand our impact.

First up....the World Camp website!! Yes, that's right. Years in the making, we've taken volunteers', coordinators' and parents' feedback into consideration, packaged it up, and given WC a brand new look. In a few short weeks we'll launch, so be sure to keep an eye out and let us know what you think. What can you expect? More in-depth info, a separation of specific WC projects, many ways to get/stay involved, health/safety info, photos galore and easier navigation. And of course, the same great heart behind it all. WC legends, Laurel Jernigan and Jesse Pipes have been hard at work with Appnet in Boone to design the site. Did you know these two and the other founders helped create the original WC website 10 years ago?

If you haven't voted on facebook for the new World Camp URL, be sure to do so!

Lusungu Masamba, WC Field Assistant
Camp Hope Malawi Counselor

We're also thrilled to announce WC's official partnership with Hole in the Wall Camps and Baylor Pediatrics. The result? Camp Hope Malawi-a week of camp for kids who are HIV+. At Camp Hope, kids develop a network of support, learn about what it means to know one's status (HIV status, that is), the basics about their illness and how to manage ARVs and treatment. Applicants are currently going through physicals and screenings. This April, WC will help host a counselor training, followed by two separate weeks of camps. The Camp Leadership Team in Malawi consists of 2 Baylor Hospital staff members and 1 WC representative, the amazing Michael Kumwenda. Michael has a deep passion for HIV/AIDS issues and strengthening education systems, taught in both Malawi and the U.S., served on numerous educational research committees, and is a current WC Malawi Board of Trustee member. Joining this team as Camp Hope Counselors are long time WC field assistants Lusungu Masamba and Chickabachi Daire.

Chickabachi Daire (center), WC Field Assistant
Camp Hope Malawi Counselor

Finally, World Camp is in the process of interviewing applicants for a new Malawi Country Manager! The incredible individual who fills this position will serve as our eyes, ears and heart throughout the year. Among the many talents and responsibilities of the Country Manager, (s)he will work with coordinators to oversee our regular sessions, represent WC at Ministry of Education, NGO Board and local partnership meetings, manage Professional Capacity Building volunteers throughout the year, act as a resource for students and teachers in between our sessions. And of course, take care of our beloved staff members-John, Ngoni, Vito- and their families. Baker Henson, WC President, and Jesse Pipes, WC Director of Operations, will train our new Country Manager during their trip to Malawi in April. Stay tuned for our announcement of hire and the developments that come from this position.

We hope this finds you well and enjoying your week. Check back on friday to hear more reflections from WC volunteers and staff members. And as always, if you have something you'd like to contribute, feel free to post below or email us at info@worldcampforkids.org.

Zikomo kwambili and tionana (thank you and see you next time)!