My First Trip to Dubai

Tiyamike Chokani • July 26, 2024

My First Trip Outside Malawi: Finance Manager’s Insights from the Finance Leadership and Excellence Summit in Dubai 

I was full of excitement when I got presented with the opportunity to travel to Dubai by my employer, The Sparkle Foundation. Leaving Malawi for the first time, to one of the most beautiful cities in the world and later being granted the incredible opportunity to attend the Finance Leadership and Excellence Summit (FELS) felt like a dream come true. Join me as I take you through my time in Dubai. 

  

Arriving in Dubai, I was awestruck by the city’s modernity and vibrancy. The summit took place at the luxurious JW Marriott Marquis, and from the moment I stepped in, I knew I was in for an unforgettable experience. 

  

The summit was packed with valuable sessions, featuring top-notch speakers like Fazeela Gopalani, Head of ACCA, Middle East, and Dr. Corrie Block. They discussed essential topics such as sustainability, 6 Pillars of Executive Performance, Integrity and Ethical Challenges, digital transformation, and emotional intelligence in finance. One key takeaway was the importance of combining strategic thinking, analytics, and communication skills. I learned that finance professionals with these skills can drive significant revenue growth for their organizations. 

  

Leadership was a central theme at the summit. It became clear that leading with integrity, empathy, and accountability is crucial for any finance team. I was particularly inspired by the discussion on emotional intelligence by Gwen Van Bern e-CMA. He highlighted how well-connected employees are more effective and motivated, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships within teams. 

  

Interactive workshops and panel discussions provided further insights. Topics ranged from mastering chaos in turbulent times to the future of finance with AI tools like Chat GPT. These sessions underscored the importance of staying adaptable and forward-thinking in our ever-evolving field. 

 

Networking was another highlight of my experience. I met finance professionals from over 45 different nationalities, interacted with my mentor forging connections that I hope will lead to future collaborations. Sharing experiences and learning from peers around the world was truly enriching. 

 

Apart from attending the Finance Leadership and Excellence Summit (FELS) I had the privilege to be offered an ACCA scholarship by phoenix financial training through our board member. I later visited the most exciting tourist sites in Dubai such as the Burj Khalifa, the desert safari, the dancing fountains, boat cruise and the amazing sea. The food was so amazing as well tried all different cuisines from Indian, Thai, Portuguese etc. 


Reflecting on my time in Dubai, I am filled with gratitude for this opportunity. The summit not only expanded my professional knowledge but also broadened my personal horizons. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with my colleagues from The Sparkle Foundation and all the people who support our mission. 

  

I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of insights to share with my team. As finance professionals, we must remain authentic, continually seek knowledge, and embrace innovation. 


Thank you for joining me on this journey. To many more adventures and continued growth in the world of finance! 

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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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