Meet Mwayi Mpinganjira, 28-year-old young woman who lost her father a few years ago. Her father was the family’s sole breadwinner. His loss meant there was no food or support for her mother and siblings. Being the eldest of 5 siblings, Mwayi was forced to drop out of school to support her family. Enter Sparkle Foundation… Mwayi joined Sparkle Foundation in 2016 as a volunteer. As tough as life was for her and her family, she still saw it important to support other children based on her experience of loss and despair. Fast forward to 2021, Mwayi is now the country director for Sparkle Foundation and every day she gives back to the children who need her and her love. She says ‘the youth is the future, it is important for them to be the solution for the future’.

Nestled in the heart of Malawi is the Sparkle Foundation. The foundation  provides education support, nutrition programmes, hospital out-patient services and much more. The community has learned to rely on Sparkle Foundation. This is where the children get breakfast and lunch daily, whilst being taught at early childhood development level. The centre has a few qualified teachers supported by different sponsors. They are also supported by the community. Some community members volunteer in assisting the teaching staff. Other community members bring bags of maize or fruits after harvest, some will bring firewood when there is a need. This is their way of showing their support.

Mr Mkwanda is an elderly gentleman who has found his way to support his community members and foundation. Mr Mkwanda has made it his daily mission to pick up on his bicycle *Rose, a 4-year-old girl living with albinism, and drop her off at the foundation and back home as soon as the school day is complete. This is for a number of reasons. Children with albinism are targeted for performing of rituals in the village so her safety is compromised. Rose’s family also lives 45 minutes away from the foundation and walking all that way was almost impossible on some days.

With all the work done by the foundation, the community has found a way to show their appreciation. This is symbiotic relationship is symbolic of the African adage that says ‘izandla ziyagezana’ – hands wash each other. True testimony to the fact that we all need each other.  These children are truly raised by a village. All coming together for the benefit of their children, their future.