Project Food

Description

This project is an ongoing process.

Providing every pupil with a mug of oat porridge to start the day and a nutritious hot meal at lunchtime.

For many children, this is the most substantial meal of the day and plays an important role in their health, wellbeing, and ability to learn.

Needs

• Monthly basic food supplies like rice, mais flour, cooking oil, salt, sugar, beans, oat meal.
• Monthly vitamin containing food supplies like tomatoes, fruit and fresh vegetables.
• Materials like big pans, spoons, plates, mugs (for oat porridge).
• Wood for cooking.
• 2 cooks daily for preparation and cleaning after the meals.

Wishlist

• Gas stoves and gas containers for cooking
• Picknick tables, so meals can be eaten off of the (damp) ground.

Current status

The programme is currently providing daily meals to all 100 pupils.

Basic food supplies, cooking materials, and fuel are largely secured, while the local community actively supports the project through participation and in-kind contributions.

Two cooks are needed to prepare the food. We have decided to hire one professional cook, who is responsible for preparing and portioning the meals. The second cook is provided by volunteers from the community.

Additional monthly funding is still needed to improve the nutritional value of the meals and ensure the programme remains sustainable.

Impact

When we first visited the school in May 2026, many children arrived hungry and lacked the energy needed to fully participate in school life. Most mornings, they received only a small serving of porridge, which was often their only meal of the day.

After just two days, we noticed a remarkable change. The children were more energetic, engaged, and eager to play. Laughter and singing filled the schoolyard, and the overall atmosphere became noticeably more positive. It was a powerful reminder of the difference a simple nutritious meal can make.

Four months after the start of the programme, the headteacher conducted the periodic assessments to evaluate the students’ academic progress. The results showed that, since receiving a daily meal, the students had been performing significantly better than they had before the introduction of the school feeding programme. These findings provide strong evidence of the programme’s positive impact on the children’s learning and educational development.

The project has also strengthened community involvement. Parents now actively support the programme, creating a stronger connection between families and the school. Beyond improving nutrition, the initiative is helping build a sense of shared responsibility and long-term support for the children’s education.

Financial

The set target would allow the school to provide a greater variety of fresh and nutritious ingredients.

Currently, the cost of food procurement is fully covered by the founders of the foundation. The costs associated with meal preparation and transportation are financed through donations to the foundation, complemented by in-kind contributions from members of the local community.

Pictures