Fundraising in Malawi, Challenges, and the Growing Sparkle Community

Strengthening Communities for Tomorrow: Tackling Funding Challenges to Build a Resilient Malawi

The Sparkle Foundation (TSF), like many other non-governmental organisations (NGOs), is working to support the government of Malawi in attaining Malawi 2063. The ambitious vision seeks to transform the country into a wealthy, self-reliant, and industrialised upper-middle-income nation. With an estimated population of 20.93 million people and an annual growth rate of 2.3% (World Bank Group, 2024), its work aligns with Enabler 5: Human Capital Development. At TSF, we believe that educated, healthy and empowered citizens will effectively contribute to the growth of their nation. Through targeted programs, the foundation empowers communities to achieve health and self-reliance. Key program areas include education, health, nutrition, and livelihood improvement. 

 

Education Pillar: 

Early Childhood Development: The foundation emphasises the importance of early childhood education by focusing on the formative years of development. 

 

Primary After-School Support: TSF ensures that children receive educational assistance beyond regular school hours, helping them enhance their skills and knowledge.. 

 

Adult Literacy: Promoting lifelong learning and literacy among adults, TSF offers programs that empower adults in the community to gain literacy skills and actively participate in economic and social spheres.

 

Health Pillar: 

Free Outpatient Clinic: The foundation provides accessible medical support to the community, meeting essential healthcare needs through our free outpatient clinic.. 

 

Nutritious Meals: We ensure that children across our three sites receive balanced, nourishing meals that support their physical growth and cognitive development. 

 

As demand for our health services has increased, we have expanded from one site to three. We have also expanded our staff to ensure the effective delivery of our programs. Securing funding and in-kind support is essential for sustaining our services and ensuring that we continue to support the vulnerable populations we serve. We have shifted from relying on international support, which is not a long-term sustainable option, to diversifying our fundraising base in the country. However, this has faced several challenges, including the following: 

 

High Poverty Rates and Limited Disposable Income: 

Over 51% of Malawi’s population is under 18 years old, with more than 70% residing in rural areas. Only a small segment of the population earns enough to support themselves and their families comfortably. Inflation and the devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha (with a 44% decline last year and a 2.3% devaluation this year) continue to erode purchasing power. Meeting immediate basic needs takes priority over contributing to charitable causes. 

 

High Competition for Funding: 

According to the NGO Sector 2023 report, Malawi hosts 941 registered organisations, including 736 local and 205 international entities. All vie for limited funding opportunities, intensifying competition and reducing the probability of getting funding support. 

 

Forex Challenges: 

Businesses reliant on foreign currency face constraints due to forex shortages. This has led to reduced production capacity and has implications for return on investments for the most. This has diminished flexibility to support CSR initiatives that organisations such as The Sparkle Foundation benefit from. 

 

Limited Local Philanthropy: 

While international donors have been crucial, encouraging local philanthropy is essential, especially given the increasing global shocks, both political and economic, and the ever-changing priorities of donors.  

 

As an organisation committed to improving lives in Malawi, we recognise the importance of addressing challenges head-on. To mitigate these obstacles, we have explored alternative approaches to sustain our programs. We prioritise building partnerships, utilising community strengths, and embracing innovative solutions. 

 

Strategic Partnerships: 

Collaborating with like-minded individuals and organisations allows us to pool resources and expertise. By sharing a common goal, we can achieve greater impact collectively. Our increased collaboration with government stakeholders exemplifies this approach. In our clinic, we acquire malaria rapid diagnostic test kits and anti-malarial drugs through partnerships. This not only reduces clinic costs but also ensures the provision of appropriate medication. 

 

Community Empowerment: 

It is essential to recognise the inherent strengths within the communities we serve. Their contributions, whether in the form of firewood or seasonal fruits, are significant for supporting our feeding program. 

 

Social Enterprise Initiatives- Through our farm project, we aspire to produce sufficient food to sustain the feeding program. Additionally, surplus produce can generate income when sold. Although this process is gradual, it signifies a positive step that will produce beneficial results in the coming years. 

 

Fundraising in Malawi poses unique difficulties. However, persistence, creativity, and collaboration can help us overcome these hurdles. Diversifying our funding sources is essential. We explore local options while maintaining global connections. Leveraging technology allows us to reach wider audiences and streamline donation processes. Building strong relationships with donors, both local and international, ensures sustained support for our initiatives. 

 

Together, let us forge a brighter future for Malawi—one where resilience, innovation, and compassion prevail. By working hand in hand, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. 

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.