Times Are Changing in Malawi!

Until recently, children with special needs in Malawi, Africa were kept hidden in their families' homes.  But, praise God, times are changing!

 Lakeside is coordinating a mission trip to Malawi, June 2-18, and is putting together a specialized team of people to train teachers in techniques for integrating kids with special needs into the classroom.

 Volunteers will be working with Lakeside mission partner Maribeth Sexton and the Malawi Montessori Project—part of Maribeth’s well-respected ministry that was asked by the Malawian government to assist in training special needs teachers.

 Lakesider and pediatric physical therapist Cheri Wieland visited Malawi on a mission trip ten years ago when special needs children were hidden in their homes and not welcome in school. (Watch this video for highlights of Cheri’s Lakeside mission trip ten years ago, when disabilities were still hidden. Cheri and her team gave skills, hope, and love to the caregivers.)

 “Our team gets to go make a difference in the whole education system in the country of Malawi,” Cheri said. “I am so excited to bring a team of people with me who can help usher in a new era where families are able to send their special needs children to school and know they are valued and in good hands.”

 We have a great opportunity to change the lives of children with a specialized team of volunteers, including:

-       1-2 Pediatric occupational therapists

-       1-2 Pediatric Speech therapists

-       1 Resource teacher experienced in working with children with learning disabilities

If you have friends who are Jesus-followers and who have been trained to work with children with special needs, please pass this opportunity along to them. Reach out to Cheri Wieland with any questions and to fill out an application by February 25. 916-337-5587 or cheri.wieland@gmail.com. Please spread the word to your network!