Sam’s Volunteer Experience 2022

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 Sparkle Foundation named a finalist in the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards

By Talhia Le Berre • August 11, 2026
The Sparkle Foundation has been named a finalist in the Community Building category of the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards, a global programme run by Public Interest Registry (PIR), the nonprofit steward of the .ORG domain. The awards celebrate mission driven organisations from across the world for the meaningful, measurable change they create in their communities, and we are proud to be recognised among this year's finalists. For The Sparkle Foundation, this nomination reflects more than a decade of work in Zomba, Malawi, where we have built an integrated model of education, healthcare, nutrition and livelihoods support designed to break the cycle of poverty at its roots. 
What Britain's Aid Cut to Malawi Means for Charities on the Ground

What Britain's Aid Cut to Malawi Means for Charities on the Ground

By Talhia Le Berre • August 4, 2026
UK government funding to Malawi is on track to drop by around 90 per cent within two years, from K117.9 billion down to K11.7 billion by 2028. The figures emerged in Parliament last week, where Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha faced questions from MP Francis Belekanyama on how such a steep reduction would affect budget delivery. The Minister's position was that the national budget itself is not at risk, since the reduction had already been built into government planning.  Where he was less reassuring was on who absorbs the impact. Per the report, it is Malawi's NGOs, not the state, that are expected to feel this most, given how many rely on UK funding to run health, education and social protection work.

Job Readiness Programme Launches at The Sparkle Foundation

By Talhia Le Berre • July 24, 2026
This June, The Sparkle Foundation began a new chapter in its work with women and youth in Malawi. The Job Readiness Programme launched with its first cohort of participants, marking the start of a six-week course designed to build the practical, financial and personal skills needed to earn a sustainable living.