Education Zambia Project #23269

It's Hard to Learn When You're Hungry!

by HANDS AROUND THE WORLD

Project Report | Aug 8, 2016
August 2016 Update

By Chris Barrell | HANDS AROUND THE WORLD Project Co-ordinator

The logistics of providing about 400 school meals at PIZZ each day is complicated!!

Early in the day rice is put into large pots and these are refilled throughout the morning. Sugar and groundnuts are added and the children come to receive their food according to a rota. This process is carried out on two sites.

The recipe needs to be varied according to the availability of food – for instance groundnuts are not always available. (It is planned to buy one year's supply of maize and store it for 2017 – another logistical challenge!)

All of this is carried out by the local people because they recognise that this process is so valuable and makes such a difference to the lives of the children.

Together we are planning a kitchen and dining area to be built in the near future to improve the process.

During my recent visit I recognised some of the children from previous years, and it was a delight to see how much they had changed. What gives me most joy is to see that wonderful spark of life, replacing the look that says that a child is living with the weight of the world on their shoulders.

The school is proving real hope for the children and the meals are allowing the children to take advantage of this opportunity. Thank you for giving joy to so many children!

Cooking Lunch

Tucking in happily!

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May 13, 2016
May 2016 Update

By Chris Barrell | HANDS AROUND THE WORLD Project Co-ordinator

PIZZ Children waving

Greetings from Zambia!

I have been visiting PIZZ School since 2004 and have seen it and the children develop.

The provision of school meals has made a real difference to the children. I can see that they are livelier and healthier. Each year I talk to many children at the school to find out how they are getting on, what lessons and activities they enjoy and what they most like about coming to school. Some tell me that one of the best things about school is the food! Unfortunately for many, this small meal is their main food of the day – some will even take part of their meal back for their families.

I am once again in Monze and have spoken to Mrs. Sianga about the feeding project. She tells me that the difference the food is making is enormous. The children are able to concentrate on their lessons and this has resulted in some wonderful academic results. Out of 74 children who took their grade 9 examinations last December 53 where successful – this was the best set of results for all schools in Monze. Attendance levels at the school have also dramatically improved. In previous years children would have to go around the town to try to get some food and consequently would miss lessons.

The children are keen to come to school and the success of the former students encourages them and their families to believe that they can improve their lives.

There are many challenges faced by the school in providing lunches. Water is a major issue. Sometimes because of low water levels and rationed electricity there is no water at the school for several days. Large containers need to be filled and brought to site. Cooking facilities etc. are inadequate and feeding 360 plus children each day makes a lot of work for the staff. However, because they see the great impact the food is having, they manage to overcome all the obstacles and feed the children daily.

Thanks to your continued support the children at PIZZ School can look forward to a brighter future!

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