Kat’s Volunteer Story 2022

Kat shares her experience of volunteering in Malawi

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


The amazing Bryony had developed a thorough itinerary for myself and my daughter Rosalie. We observed teachers in the classroom, played football and sports games with the children, we served the children lunch and helped wash clothes in the river. We organized a team building session for the staff and teachers and ran the “Human Knot”, a “Get to Know Each Other’s Name”, a “Scavenger Hunt” and a “Cultural Awareness Discussion”. My daughter also introduced everyone to “Duck Duck Goose” and “Red Light Green Light” it was a lot of fun and very tiring. But so nice to not be sat behind a computer all day!


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


I had heard about the amazing work that Sparkle were doing and the story of the Foundation is so inspiring. I wanted to see it for myself and, on doing so, am even more impressed than I was before. In hugely challenging circumstances, Sparkle is thriving and the team are absolutely brilliant. It was a pleasure to be a tiny part of this beating heart for a short time. I also really wanted to give my daughter Rosalie the opportunity to come and experience this with me and to open her eyes to the amazing world around her. It was an experience neither of us will ever forget.


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 it did. I think the team building session was really inciteful and the stories I am now telling to friends, colleagues etc is definitely raising awareness for Sparkle. I think probably the staff on the ground are MUCH better at serving lunch and washing clothes, but it gave me a real appreciation of the privileged life we lead and again helps bring this to life with the stories told afterwards. I think the feedback for the teachers that I provided will hopefully go some way to helping further enhance the amazing offering. We would love to return and now I am familiar with the situation on the ground, I will be in a much better position to think about things that would be of value to bring next time and also to organize more thoroughly given what I now know.


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


It’ll all stick with me. But I think my favourite moment was playing football at Sparkle in the rain and the mud and seeing how incredible the children are at sport. And how much fun we had building our team and supporting each other. It was brilliant.


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


Go immediately. You’ll love every minute and it will change your life forever. If you have them, take your children. It will open their eyes and introduce them to an incredible country, nation, and people – expanding their horizons and helping them appreciate how lucky they are, and how important it is to give back to others and help.


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


We felt incredibly supported by the Sparkle staff. I think they all did an outstanding job, and we were bowled over the how enthusiastic, fun, engaging and funny they all are. It was such a pleasure to get to know these incredible humans and to hear their stories about how they are pushing beyond the boundaries of normal cultural traditions. They are some of the best people I’ve ever met. I would also like to say a huge thank you to Bryony for all the efforts with the itinerary, the logistics, the constant emails and the support on the ground. She was so helpful, positive, and kind.


Thank you so much Sarah, Mwayi, Davie, Moses, Cliff, Rose, Chris, Angela, Veronica, Aida, Agnes, Brian, Esther, Gertrude, Eric, Mwayi (teacher) and all the other staff. You are amazing. I really hope I have the honour to see you again someday and thank you for making our experience one we will never forget.

African children in a classroom setting. A little girl is holding a book and looking at the camera

Learning Poverty: The Silent Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa

By Alexandr Tsarev • March 16, 2026
Malawi faces a severe learning crisis, but quality education and free secondary schooling offer hope for empowering children and shaping a stronger future.

NAMA Women Advancement Teams Up with The Sparkle Foundation for Sustainable Transformation in Malawi

By Talhia Le Berre • March 9, 2026
In Malawi, the journey to economic independence is often hindered long before adulthood begins. Only 16% of children start secondary school , and of these, just a quarter graduate . For girls and rural communities, these numbers drop even further. Families struggle to pay school fees, students walk long distances to reach classrooms, and overcrowded schools stretch limited resources. These challenges do more than affect educational outcomes — they reinforce cycles of poverty that limit opportunities for women and youth for generations. Many face restricted access to employable skills, financial literacy, mentorship, and capital , while societal norms too often undermine their confidence and voice. At The Sparkle Foundation, we believe that when women and guardians thrive, children flourish. That’s why we are proud to announce a powerful new collaboration driving sustainable change. A Partnership with Purpose: NAMA Women Advancement x The Sparkle Foundation We're honoured to partner with NAMA Women Advancement, a UAE-based organisation committed to elevating women’s economic participation and building inclusive, resilient communities worldwide. Together, we have launched Spark to Success , a two-year initiative that will uplift 200 underserved women, youth, and their families in Zomba, Malawi by equipping them with practical skills, financial tools, and pathways to economic independence. This project focuses on the mothers and guardians of children enrolled in our Early Childhood Development programme, the pillars of their households and communities. When they have access to dignified, sustainable livelihoods, entire families are strengthened. About the Spark to Success Initiative Spark to Success tackles systemic barriers head-on by delivering a diverse range of vocational and business-building skills, including: Tailoring Information Technology Weaving Solar panel installation Sustainable farming Financial literacy Business mentorship Career counselling By the end of the programme: 100 participants will launch their own small enterprises through seed funding 100 will be supported to pursue meaningful employment opportunities The ripple effect is enormous, reaching approximately 1,200 people as families gain access to better nutrition, financial stability, and improved educational pathways for their children. Early Impact: Skills Delivered, Confidence Built Though the programme is still in its early stages, the transformation has already begun. 28 women across two villages have completed Solar Panel Installation Training Over 50 participants have received Financial Literacy and Business Development coaching Not only are these women gaining technical expertise, but they are also building confidence, financial autonomy, and the power to lead change within their communities. This is what sustainable transformation looks like. Gratitude to NAMA Women Advancement We extend our heartfelt thanks to NAMA Women Advancement for their trust, commitment, and belief in our mission. Your partnership is more than a collaboration. It is a catalyst for generational change. Together, we are demonstrating a powerful truth : When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family. When families are stable, children thrive. And when children thrive, communities transform. This is not short-term aid. This is long-term, lasting impact.

The Power of a School Meal: Strength for Learning and Life

By Madalitso Gamphani • September 26, 2025
Imagine being a young child, sitting in class with an empty stomach. The teacher is speaking, but the words drift past without meaning. Your mind is on the hunger gnawing at you, not on the lesson. When break time comes, instead of running to play with your friends, you sit quietly, too tired to join in. Hunger steals more than just food. It takes away concentration, joy, and the chance to thrive. Now, imagine the same child after receiving a simple, nutritious school meal. Suddenly, the story changes. With a full stomach, their mind sharpens. They can focus on the teacher’s voice, write neatly in their exercise book, and raise their hand with confidence. At break time, they laugh, run, and play with friends. That meal does more than fill an empty belly. It fuels learning, energy, and growth. At The Sparkle Foundation, we see this transformation every day. We provide nutritious meals to about 240 children daily. Our preschool children receive both breakfast and lunch, giving them the energy they need to start the day well and the strength to keep learning and playing throughout the day. For our primary school children, we provide lunch before they begin their afternoon lessons, ensuring they can sit in class with full stomachs and clear minds.