Reflections from Sparkle Malawi

Passion with Purpose: Building Futures Together with Sparkle

Our Partnership with Sparkle 

Describing Sparkle in one word feels almost impossible. This charity has devoted itself to uplifting a rural community in Malawi, not only through education but also by providing essential medical support, a community sports programme, and initiatives empowering women to start their own businesses. If I had to choose a word, however, it would be passion. After spending close to three weeks with Sparkle’s team—individuals wholly committed to transforming lives—it became clear that the moment you walk through their gates, you are immersed in an atmosphere of genuine dedication and compassion. 


Our partnership with Sparkle began in 2022 with a conversation about school-based fundraising. Since then, it has naturally evolved into a central part of our group’s Sustainability Strategy. The relentless commitment of the Sparkle team continually inspires us, and I feel incredibly fortunate to work closely with them in both the UAE and Malawi. This article outlines key takeaways from our recent visit and offers a glimpse into the future of our collaboration with this remarkable organisation. 


Curriculum Development Goals 

The aim of our trip was to deeply understand the current state of education in Malawi. We explored the offerings in private schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres, gathered community perceptions around education, and mapped the educational pathways for children attending Sparkle. Thanks to Sparkle’s support, we were introduced to a broad range of stakeholders, including government officials overseeing Primary and ECD sectors, university lecturers, lead trainers from the Institute of Education, and both public and private school headteachers. 


ECD centres were initially established in Malawi in the late 1990s as safe spaces where children could receive nutritious meals, play, and develop cognitive skills. Governed under the Ministry of Gender, these centres focused on child welfare, providing a safe daily haven. Yet, as community demand for ECD centres has surged, many have found themselves unable to keep up with the resources needed for effective provision. Conversations with local educators and officials illuminated the various challenges Malawi’s education system faces. Severe funding shortages often leave classrooms bare, and there is a shortage of school placements and training facilities to meet the increasing demand for qualified teachers. Equipping educators with basic classroom necessities and training has remained a continuous challenge. 


However, the Minister of Gender shared a hopeful perspective, as the government now recognises the   importance of providing children with a solid educational foundation that supports their long-term success. Our time in Malawi underscored the need to align Sparkle’s objectives with the current ECD curriculum and practices, ultimately creating a framework that enables teachers to plan, monitor, and support children’s progress throughout their Sparkle journey. 


We also identified the need for a well-structured transition to primary school, empowering children with confidence and foundational skills for success in larger classroom settings. Hearing from local stakeholders helped us understand the barriers families face in supporting their children's educational journeys. By offering parents opportunities to engage with school life or participate in adult learning courses at Sparkle, we aim to bridge understanding and equip parents to better support their children’s learning at home. This shared goal of quality education is seen as vital to helping children break the cycle of generational poverty, and Sparkle stands committed to contributing meaningfully to this cause within its community. 


Teacher Mentor Programme 

Our first major success in Malawi has been the launch of the Teacher Mentor Programme. Drawing on the expertise of our UAE schools, we developed training programmes, planning templates, CPD sessions, and logistical support tailored to the demands of school life in Malawi. The Sparkle teachers embrace every new learning opportunity, applying new knowledge in their classrooms and, in return, sharing their insights and expertise to further upskill our teachers in the UAE. 


One of the teachers’ proudest achievements has been the successful implementation of a structured phonics programme. With assistance from our teams at RGS, RPS, and Phonic Tots (a Dubai-based organisation), Sparkle’s teachers now have a thorough understanding of the fundamental literacy skills children need for reading and writing. Thanks to contributions from families and staff across Cognita schools, classrooms now have essential resources, such as dance scarves for motor skills, initial sound picture cards, Read Write Inc letter sound cards, and Read Write Inc storybooks for children’s progress. 


A core aim of this visit was to help teachers foster an environment where children can engage in self-directed learning, reinforcing skills throughout the day. Through training on thematic learning using storybooks, we encouraged teachers to creatively bring stories to life in the classroom, drawing on resources like AI and Pinterest for ideas. Teachers were thrilled to discover that a few simple AI prompts could generate numerous activity ideas, enhancing their weekly plans. Encouraging curiosity in the classroom allowed teachers to observe how children could explore independently, developing skills such as peer communication, counting, and problem-solving. A standout moment for one teacher involved two young students role-playing as "teachers" and identifying 2D shapes—a display of vocabulary and imitation she hadn’t seen in structured class time. 



Looking Ahead 

Following the success of Global Be Well Day within our Middle East team, enthusiasm is growing for continued support of The Sparkle Foundation, with a focus on impacting families and children in Malawi. We plan to continue to work on designing a tailored curriculum and training programme aligned with Sparkle’s educational framework. The introduction of a Sparkle School Improvement Plan will further define the educational vision and empower Sparkle’s leadership and teaching staff. Ongoing engagement across our schools, with events and fundraising initiatives, will continue to raise Sparkle’s profile within the UAE and beyond, opening avenues for children here to get more directly involved with the charity’s work on the ground. 

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.