Dubai-it: Two Women, Two Worlds—A Lifelong Friendship Reignited After 18 Years in Malawi
What began as a gap-year trip to Malawi transformed into a charity that supports thousands of children and a friendship that endured heartbreak, distance, and nearly two decades apart.
In Dubai, Sarah Brook, a British national, volunteered in Malawi at the age of 18, an experience that profoundly changed her life. This transformative journey led her to establish a nonprofit organization aimed at helping orphans and vulnerable children in Malawi.
In Malawi, Violet Matimati emerged as Brook’s first friend, introducing her to a different reality. Matimati’s resilience shone through her struggles, including teenage pregnancy, divorce, and single parenthood. The two women’s lives intersected again in March 2026 when they unexpectedly reunited on a street in Malawi.
Brook recounted the moment: she was walking with her daughter and a friend when Matimati, riding a motorbike, stopped and rushed towards her. The emotional reunion was marked by a heartfelt embrace, with Matimati meeting Brook’s daughter, Rosanna, for the first time.
To grasp the significance of their reunion, one must consider the 18 years of shared history and friendship.
Being Transformed by Malawi
Brook, now 36 and residing in Dubai, volunteered at an orphanage in Malawi during her gap year. Her choice of Malawi was almost serendipitous; she pointed to a map, and her finger landed on the country. Matimati, who is just a month younger than Brook, had a cousin at the same orphanage and often visited. Their shared language facilitated an immediate connection.
Matimati introduced Brook to the realities of life in Malawi, particularly the struggles faced by women in poverty. Brook recalled meeting Matimati when she was a teenager carrying a baby on her back, a situation that drastically altered her life trajectory. Their bond deepened over a mutual passion for helping others and a shared love for netball.
As their friendship flourished, Brook and Matimati remained in touch even after Brook returned to the UK. However, a medical emergency changed Brook’s life forever. She developed a volvulus, a serious condition where part of the intestine twists. The local doctor had never performed surgery for this condition, and Brook faced a dire situation.
The doctor informed Brook’s friend that she might not survive the journey to a private hospital two hours away. Despite the risks, Brook underwent surgery and spent nearly a month recovering in the private facility. Upon waking, she learned that she had been prioritized for treatment despite a long queue of patients.
This experience profoundly impacted Brook, prompting her to commit to changing lives. She dedicated the next 18 years to fulfilling that promise.
A Dream Come True
In 2015, Brook founded The Sparkle Foundation, a sustainable community organization providing education, nutrition, and medical support to thousands of orphans and vulnerable children in Malawi. She noted that her work in Malawi reshaped her identity, teaching her that resilience often involves taking the next step and that community is built on genuine relationships and generosity.
During the establishment of her foundation, Brook relied on Matimati for support. They lived together for several months, sharing meals and laughter. Matimati and her then-husband even asked Brook to name their newborn child, which she did, naming him Joshua.
Initially, Matimati and her husband helped oversee the nonprofit. However, issues arose when Brook discovered that Matimati’s ex-husband had not been entirely truthful about both the project and their marriage. This revelation led to a painful separation, and the friends lost contact over time.
Brook relocated to the UK in 2018 and then moved to Dubai in 2022, frequently traveling between Malawi and the UAE. It took three years to register her foundation in the UAE due to its small size. Eventually, the Ministry of Economy granted her a humanitarian visa, allowing The Sparkle Foundation to operate as a registered charity.
Brook remarked that her move to the UAE transformed her organization, enabling it to connect with thousands of supporters and partner with various organizations. She never anticipated that The Sparkle Foundation would impact over 30,000 lives or that she would work full-time in the NGO sector.
Brook highlighted the support she received in Dubai, noting that her foundation’s success exemplifies the Dubai-it movement. The organization has grown to serve over 25,000 students across the UAE, with donations of office space, furniture, and even a vehicle. She expressed gratitude for the community’s support, which has been instrumental in her foundation’s achievements.
The Other Side of the Coin
While Brook was building her dream, Matimati faced her own challenges, including divorce, poverty, and single parenthood. During a work trip to Malawi, Brook was shocked to see the changes in Matimati’s circumstances.
Matimati’s struggles provided Brook with a stark perspective on the hardships women face in Malawi. She noted that if Matimati had been born in the UK, her life would have been vastly different. Matimati’s loyalty and values shone through, as she chose not to return to her husband despite the financial difficulties that ensued.
Despite her challenges, Matimati did not succumb to her situation. She developed resourcefulness and resilience, eventually becoming financially independent. Matimati expressed gratitude for her struggles, stating that they shaped her and fueled her determination to move forward.
At one point, she decided to return to school, a choice that opened new opportunities and allowed her to support her family. Today, Matimati works for Villages in Partnership, an international nonprofit organization focused on development programs in Malawi, addressing issues such as access to clean water, food insecurity, and inadequate education.
Two Worlds, One Purpose
When Brook and Matimati reunited in March 2026, they chose to focus on their shared past rather than the challenges that had arisen in their relationship. They reminisced about their youth and the dreams they once held.
Brook reflected on their journey, acknowledging that both women had spent the last two decades striving to change the same corner of the world. She theorized that their connection was not coincidental but rather a purposeful intersection of lives, united by their passion for Malawi and helping the vulnerable.
Reconnecting with Matimati instilled a sense of hope in Brook. She recognized Matimati’s story as a testament to the idea that circumstances do not have to define one’s future. Brook emphasized the importance of believing in and supporting one another, recognizing the lasting impact such encouragement can have.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-08-05 17:18:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk