The Right Way to do Charity | U&i Global

Beth Bauer • August 13, 2021

Our CEO Sarah got speaking to the team over at U&i Global this week about how special Sparkle is and how it came to be. We thought we’d share a snippet here for you – read more on U&i’s website below.

What is the right way to do charity? It is a strange thought. Surely all charity is good, right? But not necessarily. Often, we can do more harm than good when we give without thinking about what people need. When we listen to communities first, and help to support them in creating the solutions they ask for, change can become sustainable and truly meaningful.



For anyone who wants to build a better future, you have to do your research.

Not only personal research, but also ask people in the field.


This position has really restored my faith in humanity. There are so many wonderful people on the ground who are a wealth of knowledge who can help and guide you.


Also, understand the why. There are so many people who have great ideas, but if you don’t get the why, it won’t be sustainable. The why makes all the difference. As long as you stick by that and have a core set of values, then you can’t go wrong. People are chasing 000’s, but we also need to redefine what success look likes.


At The Sparkle Foundation, success doesn’t look like the amount of money we raise, it’s about the number of lives that we change. That must be at the centre of the why.

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Global Crises, Local Impact: How Malawi Faces Climate and Conflict Challenges

By Sarah Brook • February 3, 2025
Malawi is on the frontlines of global crises. Cyclone Deirdre, though less devastating than Cyclone Freddy, ripped off the roof of Sparkle Farm’s newly built toilet - a frustrating setback as we work toward sustainable feeding programmes. Adding to the strain, delayed rains now push planting seasons from December to late January, shrinking growing periods and increasing crop failure risks. With 80% of Malawians relying on agriculture, the situation is dire. Last year’s harvests already fell short, leaving many vulnerable to hunger. Ripple Effects of Global Conflicts Global conflicts amplify these challenges. Mozambique, once a food lifeline, is now hindered by insurgencies. The war in Ukraine has created fertiliser shortages, not just price hikes. With Ukraine being a key supplier, farmers in Malawi are unable to access critical agricultural inputs, further threatening yields. As aid is diverted to other global crises, like Palestine, African nations like Malawi are left struggling with fewer resources to tackle mounting issues. Climate Change and Inequality Climate change compounds the crisis. Though Malawi contributes less than 0.1% to global emissions, it’s among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries. Cyclones, floods, and droughts are increasingly frequent, forcing communities into a relentless cycle of rebuilding. In rural areas, a lack of knowledge about sustainable practices leaves farmers using the same overworked land year after year, depleting soil quality and further reducing crop productivity.

The Heart of Sustainability: How Community Involvement Powers Our Nutrition Program

By chimwemwe gawa • January 24, 2025
The lifespan of many charity organisations is often startlingly short—most fold within just a few years, unable to sustain their work without consistent support. At The Sparkle Foundation, we have learned an essential truth: sustainability is not only about funding or resources. It is about involving the community. When people take ownership of a program, they ensure its longevity, impact, and meaningfulness. This principle guides our nutrition program, which provides breakfast and lunch to preschool and primary school children daily. But this program is not just about the meals—it is about the people who make them possible. Parents play an essential role, contributing firewood for cooking and dedicating their time and effort to preparing meals and cleaning dishes. Their involvement turns an ordinary program into a shared mission and a testament to the strength of collective action. Shared Ownership for Shared Success Every morning, guardians arrive at our three early childhood development centres, eager to help. With their assistance, we prepare breakfast and lunch, ensuring every child receives the nourishment needed to grow, learn, and thrive. Their involvement transforms meal preparation into a lively community activity, promoting a sense of shared purpose and pride. This hands-on involvement is not only practical but also transformative. By actively engaging, guardians become partners in their children's well-being. They demonstrate to their children that education and nutrition are important priorities that require collective effort. 
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