Comprehensive scholarships for bright, hard-working children from vulnerable backgrounds to break the poverty cycle.
Bright Sparks Trust
The Issue in Malawi
Primary education is free but fees become a barrier at secondary and beyond
Almost all children start primary school, but only 14% complete secondary *
This vicious circle is a poverty trap not just for individuals but whole communities!
*Source: World Bank Working Paper No. 182, The Education System in Malawi, 2010
The Solution
With your investment, we fund school fees and education materials for the brightest yet neediest children through the lifetime of their secondary and tertiary education.
We support children who are bursting with potential but who would otherwise drop out and not complete their education.
We cover fees to some of best schools in the country plus necessary transport, board, learning materials, food and more whilst our students are in school and university.
Our processes are governed with a high level of accountability and transparency.
Our management team is completely voluntary and to date have personally funded all administrative costs, so 100% of your donations reach the students!
For the price of a coffee and muffin once a week, you can give a Bright Spark an education.
Why Malawi?
Malawi is one of the poorest nations in the world. 63% of Malawians live on less than $2 a day*
The HIV epidemic has ravaged communities leaving millions of children orphaned, impoverished and vulnerable
However, thanks to government willingness, well-run schools and relative stability, the ability to impact is high!
* Source: World Bank Working Paper No. 182, The Education System in Malawi, 2010
Why Education?
The opportunity to complete education allows high achievers to reach their full potential
Education has a long term impact with significant spillover to families and communities
Education brings the potential to positively impact broader society in the longer term, with Bright Sparks graduates working as teachers, doctors, business leaders and policy makers
Why Bright Sparks?
Bright Sparks Trust is a Charitable Trust regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales
Our founder, Alastair Child, has over 15 years of experience running sustainable development projects across Africa in agriculture, community development, education and more
Our model works! Since 2004, 121 students have completed their secondary education.
Our local Malawi team comprises Bright Sparks graduates
What happens when you invest?
Our rigorous selection process enables us to find the truly needy with standout academic potential.
We currently are supporting 135 students, who typically come from subsistence backgrounds, and many of them have lost one or both parents. The majority grew up in mud built huts with grass roofs, living below the poverty line. At the same time, they all have exceptional academic potential as demonstrated in their Public School Leaving Certificate Examinations at the end of primary school, with many coming first in their school zone and the majority coming in the top 10.
We conduct multi-stage verification of student need and ongoing attainment
We drip-feed financial support to students with checks to ensure that this investment reaches the beneficiaries
Our impact in real terms
Since our first scholarship was provided in 2004, we have supported 217 children, of which:
97 children are currently supported in school, and 38 at university
121 Bright Sparks scholars have completed secondary school
Our graduates already include Doctors, teachers, accountants, development professionals, and more
How can YOU help?
We ask that donors consider this as a commitment to assist children through the full course of their secondary and tertiary education (8-10 years)
£20 per calendar month covers a secondary school education and £40 covers university
Lump sum investments also welcomed
Bright Sparks Trust is Gift Aid registered so UK tax payers can increase the power of their donations