Lyndsay Nicole - The School of Dreams Malawi

Lyndsay Nicole (Solo & Solar Light)

Lyndsay is an expedition paraglider pilot who travels all over the world, flying regions few have flown before. That's why when she was looking for opportunities in 2018, Malawi was at the top of her list.

During Lyndsay's two-month stay, she became heavily involved in the School of Dreams activities (women's tailoring project and youth internet center) and also took it upon herself to bring the power of light to hard working students in the local village.

The Launch - 'The School of Dreams launch is a large, perfectly sloped, mountainside surrounded by maize fields. From the bottom of the trail, it's about a 5 minute walk to this beautiful site. The School of Dreams employs the land owner, and local farmer, Jonas, to maintain the grounds.' - Lyndsay

Lyndsay flew some epic lines during the day, and in the evening she would visit the homes of students who were studying in the dark and, with the blessing of their parents, teach them how to charge and use solar panels and lights to aid them with their studies.

The "Dream Lights" project was an overwhelming success and she is planning to expand upon this project when she returns in May/June of 2020.

Women of Light - In Malawi’s matriarchal society, the first step in setting a student up with lights is to consult with the woman of the house. Here Lyndsay meets with Amai (Mother of) Jo to discuss the Dream Lights program and explain how these nifty, solar powered lights work. Baby Jo doesn't seem to mind either ;)

Speaking the Language

The Welcome Comittee

Rides to Launch

PREVIOUS VOLUNTEERS

Jennifer & Alan Flemming

'As for why the project speaks to me, it has a lot to do with my ending up with two new toasters this year. Yes I like toast a lot, and sure there's a fairly reasonable explanation (one's a toaster oven,) but I realized at some point that nobody really needs two toasters. We have so much luxury and comfort in our lives that not everybody shares, and I want to learn how to spread that around. And, with the state of politics in the US turning so many people inward and away from each other, I was compelled to reach out somewhere totally new to expand my world and my connections. I smile most when I'm flying or traveling, and from what I've seen so far Malawians smile most of the time no matter what, so it seems a natural combination. I've started practicing Chichewa, and one of the first websites I found list four different ways to say I am happy! That's reason enough for me.' -Alan [group:image:22869][/][group:image:22870][/][group:image:22868][/]

Lorraine Dumais

Newer to the paragliding community, Lorraine is a Canadian-born proud mother of three and grandmother of one. She began paragliding at the age of 48, proving that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. She has been a tandem passenger for over 5 years, and is working on perfecting her skills as a solo pilot. Though she is not able to teach yet, she can mentor and assist in any ground handling! An adventurer by nature, Lorraine is happiest when discovering and exploring new places and things. She is a self-taught cook, a seamstress, and a creative young soul. She will be joining The School of Dreams team to help show other men and women that it is never too late to start chasing a dream. [group:image:22832][group:image:22831][group:image:22833][group:image:22835][group:image:22836][group:image:22837]