Fueling a Better Future: How Morning Meals Empower Learning

The brain is a machine that runs on glucose, you need to put something in the tank before you ask it to run. Free school meals put that fuel in the tank

- Angela Abraham

At The Sparkle Foundation, we hold this conviction close to our hearts. We understand that no child should face a school day on an empty stomach, which is why our nursery school ensures that every child starts their day with a nutritious morning meal in a safe and nurturing environment.

 

Why Morning Meals Matter for Children 

We provide morning meals to around 300 children, ensuring they start their day energised and ready to learn. A healthy breakfast is crucial for both physical growth and cognitive development. Research consistently shows that children who eat a balanced morning meal perform better in school, exhibiting higher attention spans, better problem-solving skills, and enhanced memory retention.  


Beyond cognitive benefits, morning meals also play a crucial role in physical health. With regular, nutritious meals, children are less likely to suffer from fatigue, more likely to participate in school activities and experience improved overall well-being. In a world where hunger can be a barrier to education, providing meals can make the difference between a child's success or falling behind. 


Impact on Education and Learning 

At The Sparkle Foundation, we have witnessed the impact of providing morning meals on our children. The guarantee of a meal encourages consistent school attendance. When children and their families know that the school offers meals, there is a greater incentive to attend. This leads to improved academic performance and sets children up for a brighter future. 


Furthermore, children arrive at school ready to learn, and their attention spans are longer. Teachers report that children are more alert and engaged throughout the day, which is responsible for their academic success. In their 2019 paper on Hunger and Performance in the Classroom, Afridi and colleagues explain that children who do not get enough nutrients are especially affected by short-term changes in their bodies, which can make it harder for them to learn. Simply put, food is essential for understanding and learning. Therefore, providing food to children increases attendance rates and enables their brains to function properly so that they can understand and interpret the lessons. Research has shown that eating breakfast has a positive impact on children's learning and cognitive abilities and breakfast eaters perform significantly better in areas like math, spelling, and reading. They also benefit from enhanced brain function, memory, and attention throughout the day.  


United in Support 

With the invaluable support from our donors and partners, including the contributions of organisations like Mary’s Meals, we continue provide morning meals that not only fuel the body but also empower young minds to thrive. 


This support is essential for families who depend on our feeding program to ensure their children are well-nourished and ready to focus on their education. It is not just about food but about giving children the opportunity to break free from poverty through learning.  


 A Better Future Starts with a Meal 

Ensuring that children have access to a healthy morning meal is not just about feeding their bodies—it is about nurturing their minds and futures. By providing nutritious food, we are giving children the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. With improved focus, better academic performance, and enhanced well-being, these meals are a critical investment in their long-term development. Together, through continued support and collaboration, we can help create a generation of well-nourished, educated, and empowered children, ready to reach their full potential.  

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.