There are volunteers in Áras Kate working with the local teachers in the classroom and the local cook in the kitchen. Volunteers built the building and dug the well but volunteers are only part of the story. Wells for Zoë is here not to do things for the community, but to work with the community. They’re here to work in partnership, recognising that only through partnership will the work sustain itself. Only through partnership will the work make any difference.

- Ciarán O'LearyFormer Volunteer, Board Member

The one question asked over and over to me by friends and family when I returned was ‘Is it sad?’. But my simple reply was ‘It is not sad unless you make it that way’. You can stand back and pity the poor or you can get so involved that you don’t even notice the difference in your lives.

- Elaine BolgerFormer Volunteer, Board Member

I had a wonderful time and came home with some amazing memories as well as great friends. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Wells for Zoë again for letting me be a part of their amazing work and wish them all the best in their ongoing work. They truly are an inspiration to us all.

- Marie FarrellVolunteer

I continuously heard the Malawian people praise John and Mary for their kindness and generosity. From Will.I.Am exclaiming “John is a hero, he is a good man, no, a great man!”, to the tiny tots at Áras Kate shouting “Gogo Mary!” and waving frantically at their favourite teacher. I am beyond grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to volunteer with Wells For Zoë. I had the most amazing 8 weeks of my entire life.

- Ciara DevoyVolunteer

I was inspired this summer to see John and Mary at work. They work with endless enthusiasm and love for Malawi and its people everyday. The locals welcome them with open arms and an open heart. Mary and John have an understanding and respect for the culture and way of life in Malawi, something which took me and many volunteers some time to adjust to. This understanding allows Wells for Zoë not only to become part of a community but to bring new life and hope into the communities.

- Mary McCafferyVolunteer

These interactions are why I will always be a supporter of Wells for Zoë and the Coynes. Their commitment, passion and focus are inspirational. They are the constants, the campaigners, the supporters and the champions of the people of Northern Malawi. But what I liked the most was their mantra, which was evidently put to practice every day – “we give them a hand up, not a handout”.

- Sarah Ní GhallachóirVolunteer

W4Z is a small Irish charity that has a major impact in Malawi in Africa, providing clean and safe water. In the past year they have installed 1,000 pumps that will provide clean water to over a quarter of a million people for life! W4Z has a proven track record in delivering impressive results despite the fact that they are a small charity that receives no government funding and relies completely on small private donations. This $5,000 grant will provide up to 10,000 people with clean water for life or send 50 girls to secondary school – this makes a phenomenal difference in their lives, the lives of their children and in their communities.

- AOL (2014)Supporters

Thanks to your help and the work of others on the ground, one third of the site is now planted with vegetables, fruit and other farm produce which will be of real benefit to our own project but also provide nutritional produce for the families of the children. These we also hope will be able to transfer the knowledge and the produce to start little plots in their own communities. We thank you for your inspiration and practical support in this initiative.

- Elaine and John Cogavin – The Chifundo FoundationSupporters

Outstanding.
Inspiring.
Life-saving.

- Helene and Scott Cable from Surrey, England, of www.wearthefoxhat.usSupporters

Having spent just over a week here so far I am in awe of what could be achieved if we stayed longer or came back again. John and Mary Coyne have achieved so much with Wells for Zoë and I am proud to be able to say that I have assisted them with even just a tiny percentage of that great work.

- Lynne SwanVolunteer

I have been thoroughly impressed by the work of John and Mary Coyne. Their commitment and devotion to the NGO has been vital in improving the lives of so many Malawian people. My time here has inspired me to continue working with this great group of people. I look forward to exploring future possibilities on how to make Wells for Zoë even more exceptional than it is today.

- Julie ThornhillVolunteer

Going home, I know why I am here. I am not here to do the jobs that the Malawi people could do in half the time. I am not here to teach or to preach, to lead or to be followed. I am here to work with the people, to build friendships, a network of support and encouragement that can be continued long into the future. I know that while I may be back in Ireland soon, Wells for Zoë will continue to be here in Malawi, and will continue to be a community of people that will always be there, that will always offer help and support, that will always extend the hand of friendship and that will never give up.

- Tessa FlemingVolunteer

John described the volunteer experience as ‘nourishment for the soul’. This, for me, really provides a true description of what the Malawian experience can provide for a volunteer...Mary and John are a true inspiration for the commitment and energy they put into Malawi. I wish you well in your next trip and I hope to remain involved in Wells for Zoë in future years to come.

- Sharon LoscherVolunteer

For me, this is the real Africa – this is the heart of Africa, and I feel so lucky to have been able to catch a glimpse of it. Thank you for a wonderful, heart-warming experience, and I hope to return again soon.

- Melissa GrantVolunteer

When people ask me what the most significant thing we did in Malawi was, I don’t reel off the list of physical things we changed. I don’t tell them about the labour on the farm or about the work we did later in the preschool. I tell them we met people. I tell them we connected with people. And if anyone asks me if I think we influenced change, I tell them we can’t affect change. But we can affect people.

- Cassie DelaneyVolunteer

Why Malawi? The answer to that one is simple and more concrete – Wells for Zoë. This amazing charity, set up in 2005 by John and Mary Coyne, has made huge changes in the area of Mzuzu, Malawi. I truly admire the ethics and hard-work put into this organisation. Their sustainable and bottom-up approach has changed many lives and will leave a lasting impact on Malawian communities. I couldn’t be more humbled by having them take me under their wing.

- Diewerke de Zwarte (Didi)Volunteer