Sam’s Volunteer Experience 2022

Author name

Sam tells all about his experience as a Sparkle Foundation Volunteer in Malawi.

What did you do whilst volunteering at Sparkle Malawi? How did a typical day look for you?


Every day seemed to be a little bit different. Derek and I were assigned to help the security team improve their operations. We went through a couple of meetings with them to see what they were lacking and if there were any quick fixes. Aside from that we also helped with the children wherever we could and that was lovely.

 

Why did you want to volunteer with Sparkle Malawi? In what ways does Sparkle’s mission and work stand out to you?


To be honest I only came on this trip because my wife, Candice, suggested it. I didn't know too much about the foundation before I came but now I feel it is an organization I will never forget. Supporting so many vulnerable children is such a beautiful thing for anyone to do.

 

Could you tell us about the impact that you think your volunteering had? Did you feel valued and like your work had a clear purpose?


I hope the security team now feels a little more capable in the work they do but I think the trip had more of an impact on me than the other way round. So now I feel the best way I can give back will be to try to raise funds and awareness for the foundation in any way I can.

 

What is one highlight that stands out from your experience volunteering in Malawi? Any memories that will stick with you forever?


The children. All the staff were amazing but spending that time with all those kids is something I will never forget. There was one moment in particular where I held this little girl in my arms for as long as I could and if I was ever about to start crying, I think it would have been then!

 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Sparkle in Malawi?


Don't spend too much time thinking about it. Just go. It's an incredible experience

 

How was the process of volunteering with Sparkle? Was it well organised? Did you feel supported by Sparkle staff?



I think it was all still a bit new. All of us – the staff and the volunteers – were still trying to see where we can best work together, and I think we all learned a lot from it.

The Power of an Image: Storytelling, Impact, and the Challenges of Ethical Photography

By chimwemwe gawa • June 20, 2025
Storytelling, Impact, and the Challenges of Ethical Photogography

Menstrual Health Management (MHM) for Teenage Girls in Malawi: Breaking the Cycle of Period Poverty

By Priyani Gangopadhyay • June 13, 2025
By: Priyani Gangopadhyay In light of the recent World Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrated on 28th May 2025 under the theme "Together for a Period-Friendly World," I have written this article to share what I’ve learnt about the hardships teenage girls in Malawi face when it comes to managing their menstrual hygiene, how it impacts their dignity, daily lives, education, and the inspiring work being done to support them. Growing up in a high-income country, I, like most teenage girls, have always had easy access to things like sanitary pads, girls' toilets, and cleaning facilities—necessities we often take for granted during our periods. Sadly, for countless teenage girls in low-income countries like Malawi, these basic needs for managing their periods are simply out of reach. My understanding of this situation significantly deepened after speaking with senior members of The Sparkle Foundation Team. Joshua Ojiezele (Volunteer Coordinator) and Vanessa Hamilton (Project Co-ordinator) kindly shared invaluable insights. I also had the opportunity to speak with Frances Chisi (Community Officer) and Dr Sibongile Ndala (Clinician) who work directly with children in rural Malawi. What I heard from them deeply moved me, and I spent considerable time conducting my own research to truly grasp the heartbreaking realities. Understanding Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by the girls and adult women of reproductive age. Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) refers to how they access, use, and dispose of menstrual products safely and hygienically during their periods. Proper MHM is not merely about comfort and cleanliness; inadequate MHM can lead to severe health consequences such as urinary tract infections, genital tract infections, and skin diseases in private areas.2 Furthermore, MHM is intrinsically linked to general health, mental well-being, educational attainment, dignity, and self-esteem, making it not only essential but also a basic human right. Effective MHM means having access to: Menstrual hygiene materials such as sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual caps or clean cloths. Supportive supplies such as soap, clean underwear and pain relief medicines. WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure providing clean toilets, clean water, washing areas. Education and awareness around menstrual health and hygiene which are vital for breaking taboos and promoting safe practices.

The Art of Teaching: What Every Early Childhood Educator Needs to Make a Lasting Impact

By chimwemwe gawa • June 6, 2025
Teaching really is an art. It’s not just about passing on knowledge, it’s about nurturing curiosity, guiding young minds and helping to shape the future. And in Early Childhood Development, or ECD, this couldn’t be more true. These early years are when children begin to discover who they are and how the world works. What they learn – and how they’re taught – can have a lasting impact on the rest of their lives. To make that impact count, ECD teachers need more than just passion. They need the right skills, the right mindset, and the willingness to grow alongside the children they teach. Here are a few key areas every ECD teacher should embrace to make a real, lasting difference. Creating A Supportive And Well-Managed Classroom Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and inspired when they step into the classroom. Good classroom management doesn’t mean being strict for the sake of it, it means creating an environment where children feel confident to explore and express themselves. It’s about clear routines, mutual respect and a lot of patience. Children thrive when they know what to expect and feel secure in their surroundings. And when the classroom feels calm and consistent, learning becomes something joyful rather than stressful. At this stage of life, it's not just about what they learn, but how they feel while they’re learning. A positive classroom can build confidence, resilience and a genuine love for education..
More Posts