Navigating through the pandemic

With over 40% of charity organisations closing and some diverting their programs to support Covid, charities like Sparkle have been left in an extremely vulnerable position. Whilst we try to balance and maintain our usual programs on a tight budget, there has been a growing need to respond to the pandemic in the best possible manner.

So how do we navigate through these times?


The past 15 months have certainly been unusual around the world and we all long for life to return to normal. Charities, businesses, and government alike are are all pledging their compliance to preventive measures with faith that one day these difficult times will merely be memories.


The COVID-19 pandemic has caused African nations economies to fall by 1.4% in GDP. Malawi, a land locked country heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture and exports of tobacco, tea and sugar, has not been spared by the pandemic. Even before the pandemic, Malawi was battling food insecurity, climate changes, economic downturn and political conflict. COVID-19 has worsened the situation and we have witnessed that first-hand for the communities we support at Sparkle.


Most families in Malawi, who live on hand-to-mouth basis, face this impossible choice with lockdown measures; “I can no longer go to work neither can I sit at home to interact with my family. I am always going around people’s houses to look for piece work so that I can provide for my family,” says Mr Mwadya. He used to work as a head cleaner at one of the local nursery schools but lost his job due to the pandemic. “The situation is unbearable for domestic workers because the threat of getting infected by the Corona virus is too high. A large number of the households are careful not to hire someone that commutes using public transport, and their movements after work cannot be tracked, and therefore work is not readily available,” he added.


This is a common picture around Malawi. “Schools got closed and there were no confirmed dates as to when they were going to be reopen,” cried Mercy. “To make matters worse I automatically became the breadwinner of my family because both of my parents could no longer provide as they both lost their jobs. I am only 13 years old, and I was in standard eight when I found out that I was pregnant. I know that the legal marriage age in Malawi is 18 but I had no other option because sex was the only thing I could to offer in return for money for food. I had nowhere to turn to.”


It was stories like this that led The Sparkle Foundation to act and implement a food distribution project targeting vulnerable families. We also intensified our youth programs to ensure our teenagers were being educated on sexual reproductive health and sporting activities to keep them busy while schools remained closed.


Our team witnessed first-hand the impact the pandemic has had on the access and provision of health services, when they came across a critically ill woman in the community. “I can no longer go to the Health Centre or any public hospital because that’s where people are getting the virus,” Angela said. This unfortunately was a view shared by many in the community.


“I have been discharged because the hospital is filled with COVID-19 patients and the hospital cannot take the risk of having a Malaria patient like me around COVID-19 patients. That is why I am here with my water and medication drip,” added another patient who was being treated as an outpatient, even though she should have been admitted.


As a Malawian, seeing all the challenges an already vulnerable population was facing was devastating, but I was so proud that the organisation I worked for was prepared to take action. Even though it was difficult financially for them and this wasn’t part of the agenda, Sparkle was not going to turn away now. This was seen by the opening of the medical clinic which originally was just budgeted for the children, but we opened their doors for all of the community so everyone had free access to healthcare in our 17 villages.


As an organisation we are determined to ensure that vulnerable children are protected from hunger by providing them with food (a well-balanced diet), and that girls and young women continue to have access to sexual and reproductive health information and services. Our Youth Club, Women’s group, the Sparkle clinic, and use of Sparkle vehicles such as ambulances, are how we are meeting our strategic goals. In addition to these efforts, we are working hard to protect girls and women from gender-based violence, because in times of crises girls and women are often hard-hit by social norms and discrimination.



As a woman, and a female leader, I am sure that Sparkle is at the start of our journey and although Covid has been extremely difficult for so many, as an organisation we have been able to rise to the challenge and this is just the start of what we are able to achieve.


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.
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.
By chimwemwe gawa June 20, 2025
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