Porridge at ten, lunch at one: a year of school meals

A year ago about one child in three came to school with no food for the day. Afternoon lessons were hard work for everyone. Some children went home at lunchtime and did not come back.

The meals programme now provides porridge at break for every child in the nursery section and lower primary, and a cooked lunch of posho and beans for those whose families cannot send food. Parents contribute maize and beans at harvest, and the school garden supplies greens.

Average attendance has risen from 84 to 91 per cent. Teachers say the difference in the afternoons is like teaching a different school.