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

Hands Around the World (HATW) has recently established a new partnership with Sisabelo Saka Inclusive School (SSIS) in Lusaka, Zambia. SSIS is a non-profit inclusive primary school, currently teaching 16 blind and visually impaired children.

Often rural schools in Zambia receive more support for children with disabilities mainly due to a higher concentration of disabled children in rural areas and targeted support from disability-focused organisations and government initiatives. As such, children with disabilities in urban areas are often forgotten. HATW decided to partner with this special school in Lusaka, as we believe every child should have the same opportunity to access an education.

SSIS is committed to empowering children with visual impairments and HATW’s Lunchbox Programme is supporting SSIS with the provision of school lunches. The lunches provide the children with a nutritious meal every day. Each day the children sit together and share a meal of beans, nshima (ground maize) and greens.

Providing meals to children with disabilities at school in Zambia can have a profoundly positive impact. Ensuring these children have food is improving their access to education, enhancing their nutritional status, and facilitating social inclusion.  At SSIS, the provision of a daily nutritious meal benefits these children in so many ways. The meals reduce hunger, enabling the children to concentrate in class and participate more actively in lessons, which will improve academic performance. Also, sharing a meal together each day fosters a sense of belonging, community spirit and creates a more inclusive school environment. This initiative encourages mothers and caregivers to bring their children to school and helps maintain consistent attendance.

Every day the students come to school with a parent of carer. Some of the parents remain at the school to help with the cooking of meals, strengthening the link between the school, families and the local community.

HATW also supports SSIS with the provision of uniforms and transport to and from school, enabling SSIS to provide an environment where students foster personal growth and can thrive.

Sisabelo Saka means ‘my place of safety and security’ and the school provides an amazing space for learners by creating a positive, caring and nurturing environment.

Thank you for supporting our Lunchbox Programme and providing these children with a nutritious meal, supporting their well-being and providing the opportunity of an education.