The Ripple Effect: How Currency Devaluation Challenges Non-Profits in Malawi

How Devaluation Has Affected Charity Organisation Projects and Operations: A Case of Sparkle Foundation, Zomba, Malawi.

Imagine running a charity, providing crucial support to a community, and suddenly finding out your budget can only buy half of what it did six months ago. Devaluation—a word that has been on every Malawian’s lip for the past six months. What does it mean, and how has it impacted non-profit organisations in Malawi?


Devaluation is the intentional reduction of a country's currency value relative to others. This move aims to correct trade imbalances, reduce foreign debt burdens, and make exports more competitive. On November 9, 2023, the Malawi Government devalued the Kwacha by 44% against the dollar. By May 2024, another 25% devaluation followed to address ongoing economic challenges. This devaluation led to inflation reaching 27% in October 2023, with food inflation at 35%. This situation has made necessities more expensive and increased operational costs for businesses, leading to higher prices for consumers and potential downsizing or closures.


Non-profit organisations, vital to Malawi's social and economic development, have been significantly affected by devaluation. These organisations rely heavily on donations and grants, often made in foreign currencies. While initially, it might seem beneficial as the same amount of foreign currency converts to more Kwacha, the rising costs of local goods and services negate this advantage. The Sparkle Foundation in Zomba, which provides education, nutrition, and community support, faces numerous challenges due to devaluation. The cost of supplies such as educational materials, medical supplies, and food for community programs has surged. Tiyamike Chokani, Sparkle Foundation's finance officer, highlighted that the price of essential items like sugar and meat has skyrocketed, disrupting their feeding program. For instance, before the devaluation, sugar cost MK1900 per bag; now it costs MK3000. Similarly, the price of meat has risen from MK4000 per kg to MK5000 per kg. These unexpected rises in costs have deeply affected their operations.


Despite receiving donations in foreign currencies, which ostensibly increases their local purchasing power, the rising local costs offset these benefits. While the higher conversion rates for their foreign donations initially appear advantageous, the skyrocketing local prices reduce these gains. Other organizations have echoed similar concerns, noting that increased operational costs have led to demands for higher wages from staff and volunteers, further straining budgets.


Despite these challenges, non-profits can adopt several strategies to mitigate the impact of devaluation. Diversifying funding sources can help avoid over-reliance on any single source, thereby providing a buffer against economic shocks. Implementing cost-saving measures and improving operational efficiency can help organizations reduce costs without compromising service quality. Additionally, advocacy and collaboration with other NGOs, local businesses, and government entities can help push for economic stability and support. For example, despite increased costs, the Sparkle Foundation has managed to sustain its operations by effectively converting foreign donations into Kwacha. Collaboration with other organizations and stakeholders can aid in advocating for economic stability and support.


In conclusion, the devaluation of the Kwacha has significantly increased operational costs for non-profits in Malawi, such as The Sparkle Foundation, complicating their ability to provide essential services. However, strategies like diversifying funding sources by setting up a social enterprise, implementing cost-saving measures, and engaging in advocacy for more locally produced goods in the market can help these organizations navigate these economic challenges. Readers are encouraged to support non-profits by donating, volunteering, or participating in advocacy efforts to ensure these organisations can continue their vital work. While economic challenges persist, the resilience and adaptability of non-profits like the Sparkle Foundation inspire hope and highlight the importance of collective effort in supporting vulnerable communities.

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.