Volunteer in Malawi - Kelly's experience

March 6, 2023

Kelly shares her experience of volunteering in Malawi

A typical morning always starts with greeting the children at the school gates, they open at 7.30am. You have no choice but to be an early bird.  There really was nothing more rewarding that seeing so many happy faces and receiving generous hugs.  Children start with a little play time before breakfast. It’s an impressive operation, children as young as two are so self-sufficient. They know where to wash their hands, collect their breakfast, sit and eat and return their plates for washing. My 13-year-old nephew in Scotland could learn a lot!



Afternoons consisted of sharing our specific skill sets with groups identified by The Sparkle Foundation.  In addition, we spent time with local ladies in a community group, participated in a sports day for the children. The children love to dance so make sure you are ready to dance at every given opportunity.


Highlights also included a local village walk around the community to meet neighbours, fetching and filling buckets of water from the well and washing clothes in the river. Our visit was also timely as we were able to see the arrival of 80 bikes donated to The Sparkle Foundation by World Bike Relief. Bikes were then carefully allocated to staff, community members and youths, some of which had a daily trip of two hours to get to Sparkle.

Chefs’ Ben and Agnes made sure we started the day with a good breakfast, cereal followed with a hot breakfast and fruit. There was always lunch and an evening meal. One evening we tried our hand at Nsima which is the staple food in Malawi, it’s a thick porridge made from maize flour and water. You must roll it in your hands and eat it, messy but a fun meal to have together.


It's impossible to single out one experience, each one has found a special place in my heart. However, without a shadow of a doubt there is one stand out individual who works tirelessly behind the scenes, Sarah Brook.  Sarah’s desire to give back and share so much of herself with those in The Sparkle Foundation is awe inspiring. She gives every part of herself

and more to ensure the success and security of all within the Sparkle Foundation family, and it’s a very big family.

 

My experience with Sparkle will last a lifetime, it has had a profound impact on me. In closing my advice, there is no perfect time to take time out to give back, give thought to your skill set and how it could be utilised by Sparkle, and reach out to Sarah and her team. You will not regret making that commitment.

From YouTube Tutorials to Lifesaving Care

By Sarah Brook • February 10, 2025
Sparkle's Clinic Transformation 

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. 
More Posts
Share by: