A volunteer trip that brought smiles, song, dance, art – amongst growth and learning

A reflection on Cognita's first visit to Sparkle Malawi

“I learned new methods and skills of teaching which I did not know. For example, how to introduce a lesson in a fun and exciting way for the children to catch their attention and interest. Some children learn at a different pace than their peers and I have learned to make learning conducive for all children.”

- Teacher Esther


Combining outdoors with classroom teaching, or splitting students into smaller groups to facilitate different ways of learning, Cognita volunteers Lizzie Varley and Angelique Edmunds' visit to Sparkle Malawi introduced new teaching methods to our Sparkle staff. Teacher Esther spoke to the reignited passion that Lizzie and Angie’s visit – and the training sessions they held – represented for herself and the rest of the education team.


A volunteer trip that brought smiles, song, dance, art amongst growth and learning -- for students and teachers – Lizzie Varley, Education Advisor for Cognita, recounts her experience visiting Malawi in April of this year in the following piece*:

NEW PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES A ‘TRANSFORMATIVE POWER THAT WILL FOREVER SHAPE THE WAY WE VIEW THE WORLD’

*Originally published at www.cognita.com


As the sun rose over The Sparkle Foundation playground, I felt the first, of what I knew would be many, tears begin to well up in my eyes. Today marked our final day at The Sparkle Foundation, a school with a heart as vast and beautiful as the Malawian horizon. The alarm had woken us at 4:30am and fueled by our determination to make the most of every moment, my colleague Angelique Edmunds – the Queen of all things Early Years – and I wanted to surprise the teachers on our final day. With the help of Natasha Sampson, Sparkle’s Operating Director, we commenced our mission to reconfigure the four classrooms. We moved furniture between classrooms, fashioned reading nooks and building zones, uncovered hidden resources, and crafted writing stations. In just two hours, we transformed the classrooms into captivating environments where the children could engage in purposeful play, positively interacting with one another and the resources around them.


Inspired by the extraordinary Sparkle teaching team, we needed to express our gratitude for the uplifting experience they had given us. Observing their ability to reflect, adapt, and implement strategies and ideas overnight, to challenge and question assumptions, and to remain endlessly curious, we were awestruck by their dedication. Our previously limited (and frankly ignorant) perceptions of individuals living in houses with steel roofs and no running water, were shattered by the reality of the situation. The young staff, raised in what we would consider poverty, possessed the intelligence, mindset, and motivation that any one of us would envy. They simply lacked the opportunities most of us take for granted.  


The Sparkle Foundation’s unique power lies in its ability to inspire and to cultivate a deep desire to effect positive change. Watching the children enter each day into a sanctuary of warmth, joy, and love, witnessing their beaming smiles and hearing their infectious laughter echo throughout each classroom, it was evident that the children enjoyed the most brilliant days at Sparkle. From a nourishing breakfast of hearty porridge to the varied lunch menu, the children emerged from Sparkle’s doors each day feeling full and satisfied, bounding into the waiting arms of grateful parents and older siblings. The immeasurable value of the sanctuary this charity provides within their community cannot be overstated.  


When I contemplate the phrase ‘to thrive’, which lies at the core of our Cognita community’s purpose, I cannot envision a more exemplary embodiment of this than The Sparkle Foundation. The sense of fulfilment, social connection, and positive impact that we are capable of achieving through our partnership is boundless. Providing opportunities for our students to comprehend the value of diversity, build empathy and compassion, and to embrace a life of social purpose and responsibility lies at the heart of Holistic Education.  


The integration of The Sparkle Foundation into our curriculum is an important task that lies ahead, as we strive to instil a sense of agency within our Dubai family of students – inspiring them to drive positive change, and to foster a culture that emphasizes giving and opening minds to a world beyond our own.  Our journey ahead with The Sparkle Foundation is a motivating one, knowing that our continued support will aid in the development of educational provision in Malawi, and contribute to the crucial fundraising efforts necessary to sustain this remarkable organization. Yet the beneficiaries of our partnership extend beyond the children of Malawi, for there is a unique magic to what The Sparkle Foundation gives us – a transformative, soul-stirring power that will forever shape the way we view the world.

Why the Youth Matter: Investing in Malawi's Future Today

By chimwemwe gawa • August 7, 2025
In Malawi, the heartbeat of the nation is undeniably young. With over 70% of the population under the age of 30, and nearly half under 18, we’re one of the youngest countries in the world. That’s both an incredible opportunity and a serious challenge. Without the right support, this “youth bulge” could become a burden. But with the right investment, it could drive Malawi forward in ways we can only begin to imagine. Behind the Numbers On paper, this youthful population sounds like an economic dream. But the reality? Many young people in Malawi are struggling. Youth unemployment is high, with estimates suggesting that over a quarter of those aged 15 to 24 are out of work. Even more are trapped in the informal sector, with few prospects for advancement or stability. These statistics aren’t just numbers. They’re young lives full of potential that’s going unnoticed, untapped, and unfulfilled. That’s a loss not just for them, but for all of us.

What a Child Really Gains from Early Childhood Education

By chimwemwe gawa • July 25, 2025
The early years of a child’s life are incredibly important. It’s during this time that their brain is growing quickly, and they’re beginning to understand how the world works. That’s why early childhood education, or ECD, is so valuable. It’s not just about learning numbers and letters – it’s about building the foundation for everything that comes after. At Sparkle ECD Centre, we see the difference every single day. We see how children grow in confidence, how they start to think for themselves, and how they develop the skills they need to succeed later in life. But we also know what happens when children miss out – and what that means not only for them, but for the country as a whole. They learn how to live with others One of the most important things children gain in ECD is social development. It’s the first time many of them are around other children for long periods, and they begin to learn how to share, take turns and communicate their feelings. These early social skills help them later on – in school, in work, and in everyday life. When children don’t have access to early education, they often struggle with these things. They might find it hard to settle into primary school, make friends, or follow simple rules and routines. They develop strong thinking and communication skills ECD gives children the chance to explore and ask questions. Whether it’s through puzzles, storytelling or imaginative play, they’re constantly learning how to solve problems, remember details and express their thoughts. These early learning experiences are essential for developing language, creativity and curiosity. If a child misses out on this stage, they may arrive at school already behind. They might struggle with reading, writing or understanding instructions – and it can be very difficult to catch up. They start to believe in themselves At Sparkle, we love seeing children take part in career days where they dress up as doctors, builders, teachers or whatever they dream of being. These activities might seem simple, but they give children something powerful – the belief that they can do and be something great. Children who go through ECD are more likely to stay in school, finish their education, and go on to lead fulfilling lives. They become more confident, more curious and more resilient. Without that early encouragement, many children never get the chance to dream big. They get a fairer start in life Unfortunately, not every child in Malawi has access to quality early education. Many miss out on a safe space to play, learn and be looked after. They don’t get the early support that could help them grow – emotionally, socially and academically. At Sparkle, we work with children from 17 villages around Zomba, offering them a chance to start strong. We believe that early education shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be a right. Why this matters for the country When a child gets a strong start, they carry that confidence and knowledge with them. They’re more likely to do well at school, get decent jobs, and support their families. They become active, engaged members of society. But if large numbers of children are left behind at the very beginning, the whole country feels it. It affects education levels, employment, and the economy. It widens the gap between those who have access and those who don’t. Investing in early childhood education isn’t just about helping one child – it’s about building a stronger, fairer Malawi. Final thoughts Early childhood education gives children the building blocks for life. It helps them grow into kind, confident and capable people. Without it, they miss out on crucial experiences – and that missed potential affects all of us. Let’s make sure every child has the chance to start well. Let’s invest in the early years – for their future, and for the future of our nation.

Strengthening the Parent-Teacher Partnership: Strategies for Empowering Parents in Their Child’s Education

By chimwemwe gawa • July 11, 2025
A child’s academic journey is not just shaped by teachers and schools, it thrives when parents play an active role and the role of parents extends far beyond supporting homework and attending parent-teacher conferences. Research highlights that students perform better when their families are engaged in their education. But how can we empower parents to become effective partners in this process? By providing the right tools, fostering collaboration, and creating an inclusive environment, parents can contribute significantly to their child’s success. Let's explore some of the practical strategies that educators, schools, and communities can use to strengthen the parent-school partnership. These approaches not only enhance student achievement but also build a support system that benefits everyone involved. Provide Clear and Consistent Communication Establish open and regular communication channels between schools and parents. This includes newsletters, emails, phone calls, and even social media updates. Keeping parents informed about their child’s progress, school events, and initiatives encourages active participation. Teachers should be encouraged to provide both positive feedback and constructive insights, ensuring parents feel involved and know how to support their child’s academic journey. Offer Parent Education and Training Host workshops and training sessions to help parents better understand the curriculum, teaching methods, and educational standards. This can make parents feel more confident in assisting with homework or understanding school policies. Workshops could also address topics like managing screen time, promoting good study habits, or addressing mental health challenges children may face. As related to Lev Vygotsky theory which highlights the role of parents in providing scaffolding and support children’s learning and cognitive development.