If you couldn’t afford shoes, would you go to school? | The effects of uniform on attendance

Here’s an important question that is rarely asked: If you didn’t have school shoes or a uniform, would you still go to school?

Children who are excluded from learning opportunities are among the most vulnerable in the world. They come from the poorest households and often must work to help support their families. Most often they are girls. Sadly, the absence of a pair of shoes or a school uniform can be a barrier to education in many low-income nations. In 2018, the World Bank reported a case study in which an NGO in Kenya provided free uniforms to primary school children. At the beginning of the programme, the average child was missing one day of school every week, with absenteeism at 20%. However, providing free school uniforms decreased absenteeism by 7% (to 13%). Notably, for the poorest children, absenteeism fell by more than half.

 

Sparkle understands the significance of a uniform. We recently acquired uniforms for all the 206 children who receive care at our site, which after years of using old and mismatched uniforms, was a welcome change. Not only does this affect a parent’s confidence when sending their child to school, but it also makes a child “feel as if they belong” – Julia, five years old. We realized that the need for school shoes was an overlooked necessity within Malawi. We have learned that new shoes are one of the first steps out of poverty for vulnerable children and families.

 

Buckner Charity provides a service donating shoes to orphans and their research confirms that shoes are often the most difficult item to get hold of in materially poor communities. It is possible to make clothes; grow food, and even use water filters to produce clean water, but it is relatively difficult to make a pair of durable shoes. Also, for many children around the world, a pair of shoes can be the difference between a hopeful future or a bleak one.

 

“In so many ways, a pair of shoes is a simple thing. It’s a simple answer to pressing health crises, an opportunity to go to school and a tangible proof of a child’s infinite worth”

– Dr. Albert Reyes


For the children in and around Sogoja Village, The Sparkle Foundation decided to make a difference! In December 2021, with the generous assistance of one of our partners, European Business Centre based in Malawi, 206 pairs of new school shoes were donated!


This has already made a huge difference in the lives of so many children. They have safe shoes to walk to school in and many no longer have to wear sandals or flip flops. Additionally, there is a genuine sense of pride expressed by the parents knowing that all the children look the same – every child is there to learn.

 

Mrs Mittochi is the Chief of Kulupiya village and her granddaughter is one of the Sparkle Foundation’s beneficiaries. She has attended the nursery since 2019. When the chief heard about the donation of school shoes from the European Business Centre, she couldn’t believe it. She said:

 

“The school shoes are so expensive; I checked the price in the Bata shoe shop when I was purchasing a plastic pair of shoes. The amount is enough to buy two 50 kg bags of maize. Thank you Sparkle, my granddaughter is now looking so good. It is gestures like this that make children want to come to school. This is so important because it is education which will change the future of Malawi.”



Please note that Sparkle is unable to accept clothes and shoes sent from abroad, as this would be an unsustainable form of donation. However, donations by in-country organisations like the European Business Centre are great examples of how organisations can support each other.

 

A huge shout out with many, many thanks to the staff at the European Business Centre!!

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.