Bringing Hope and Relief: Sparkle’s Humanitarian Efforts during Cyclone Freddy

Though not primarily a disaster relief organisation, Sparkle felt a responsibility to offer a swift and dedicated hand in the Cyclone Freddy response - in this article, we reflect on our step-by-step help efforts during the crisis.

In the wake of the devastating Cyclone Freddy that struck Malawi, leaving destruction and despair in its path, The Sparkle Foundation was at the forefront of relief and humanitarian work. With unwavering dedication, we extended our support to beyond our 17 affected communities in Zomba district, Traditional Authority Mwambo, providing assistance to injured individuals, families whose households collapsed, and those in need of essential supplies. From setting up campsites to offering psycho-social support, The Sparkle Foundation emerged as a beacon of hope during these trying times. 



Assessing impact and extending a helping hand

The first step in The Sparkle Foundation’s response to Cyclone Freddy was to assess the damage caused to communities. Volunteers were deployed to affected areas, meticulously documenting injuries and identifying households that had collapsed. This initial assessment formed the basis of our relief efforts later on, enabling us to prioritize the most vulnerable individuals and families. As the heavy rains continued to pour down, a team of staff members and volunteers were deployed to the various affected communities to evacuate the families and assess the impact. 


Campsite set-up and evacuation 

Recognizing the urgent need for shelter, The Sparkle Foundation swiftly established two well-equipped campsites in safe locations. These campsites provided refuge for those who lost their homes and were left without a place to go. The foundation ensured that the campsites were equipped with basic needs such as water, food, clothing, blankets, and medical aid. The Sparkle clinic led by our Health and Nutrition Officer ensured that every individual was assessed for injuries and other health conditions and that there was food available at the campsites. 


Psycho-social support

In times of crisis, it is not only physical injuries and material losses that take a toll on individuals, but also the emotional and psychological trauma. Understanding this, The Sparkle Foundation prioritized providing psycho-social support to the affected communities. Local and international volunteers offered to do fun activities with the children and the women, including singing songs, dancing, playing sports and conducting group therapy sessions to help the people cope with the emotional impact of the disaster. 


Online fundraising campaigns

Realizing the scale of the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy, The Sparkle Foundation took a proactive approach by launching online fundraising campaigns. These campaigns aimed to mobilize support from a wider audience, encouraging people to contribute towards the relief efforts. Through the power of our social media, Sparkle was able to generate significant funds, which were crucial in providing immediate assistance and recovery support to the households affected. 


Distribution of food and essential items

To address the immediate needs of affected households, we organized weekly and monthly distribution drives, ensuring that blankets, food items such as rice, maize flour, sugar, salt, beans, cooking oil, clothing, plastic sheets, utensils etc., reached those who needed them the most. Volunteers worked tirelessly to pack and distribute these supplies, reaching out to each community and ensuring that no one was left without warmth or sustenance during these difficult times. 



In the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, our Sparkle team demonstrated remarkable commitment and compassion in our relief and humanitarian efforts. From assessing injuries and collapsed households during the heavy rains, setting up two campsites, providing psycho-social support, and launching online fundraising campaigns, the foundation left no stone unturned in its immediate mission to bring hope and relief to the affected communities.



By distributing food items and essentials, we did not only meet the immediate needs but also offered a glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow. The Sparkle Foundation’s tireless efforts are a testament to the power of unity and the indomitable human spirit in times of crisis. 


For more information, find Sparkle Malawi's full report, following the continued distributions in May 2023 here.

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.