We partner with NGOs, Governments, UN-agencies, and Malawian Ministries to develop courses tailored to the specific needs of their employees or the communities they work in. Occasionally, we offer courses open to the public in Permaculture and related subjects.
We use a “see, hear and do” approach in our trainings which solidifies knowledge transfer and gives participants the confidence to put into practice what they have learned with us.
If you or your organisation would like us to facilitate one of these courses or if you would like us to tailor make a course for you, please contact us.
Eco-building Course 13th-29th April
Eco-builders emphasize simple, easy-to-learn techniques based on beautiful, locally available, raw, renewable and recycled resources from the site vicinity. By using natural building methods, an eco-building can provide spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but are also environmentally and socially sustainable.
This practical, hands-on course will provide students with the underpinning knowledge to explore small building projects of their own. Veteran eco-architect and natural builder, Paul Marais, will train students the fundamentals of passive, eco-friendly designing, using materials that are inherent to the Malawian context; clay earth, straw, wooden poles, grass, stone as well as common reusable materials; glass bottles, plastic piping.
Permaculture Design Course
The 72-hour Permaculture Design Course is a certificate course based on an internationally recognised curriculum. Completion of the full course provides recognition as a Permaculture Design graduate and enables you to study for the Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design. Most importantly, you will use your new way of looking at the world to design & transform your landscape into abundance.
Ecological Sanitation
Ecological Sanitation (Eco-San) is based on the idea that urine, faeces and water are resources in an ecological loop. It is an approach that turns human waste into a resource that protects public health, prevents pollution and returns valuable nutrients and humus to the soil. This recycling of nutrients helps to ensure food and nutrition security, improve quality of life and protect the environment.
Natural Earth Building
This is a unique hands-on, practical course designed to give the participant a working knowledge of using cob, compressed earth bricks, dry-stone foundations and rammed earth as building materials. A sound basic theoretical knowledge will be imparted and all participants will be given a notebook containing all the theory discussed in classes to take home as reference material.
Permaculture for Gardeners
This is an introductory permaculture design course, in Chichewa, that will enable participants to stop using chemical inputs, improve household health, and save money on food and water bills. There is a strong emphasis on hands-on practicals, that will enable gardeners to return to their gardens and implement the principles and techniques learnt as soon as possible.
Thatching
Our Thatching courses are based in practice and participants will thatch, ridge and cap a simple structure as well as learn how to conduct basic maintenance and repair. Such skills are in high demand in Malawi and command a well paying wage. Our course will give participants the skills necessary to join an experience thatching team and the foundation to become a master thatcher.
Weekend Gardeners Series
The Weekend Gardeners Series is designed for busy people who would like to grow their own food and vegetables without the use of expensive and toxic sythentic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. The series has been deisgned so that you may attend all 6 days, just a few days, or even just one!
For more information
- Email: education@naturesgift.org
- Phone: +265 (0) 999 727 164
