Food for thought in Zimbabwe

Lunch for students at Lupaka Primary School in Zimbabwe. Credits: David Snyder/Caritas

Lunch for students at Lupaka Primary School in Zimbabwe.
Credits: David Snyder/Caritas

Exam pass rates used to be high at Lupaka Primary School in Zimbabwe, but then food shortages began and the children didn’t want to come to school any more.

“The reason is simple,” explains head teacher Kembo Ndlovu. “Children who don’t get enough food, don’t have the energy to go to school. and if they do, nagging hunger pangs make it harder for them to learn.”

The acute humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe continued in 2009, with half of the population reliant on food aid to survive.

Caritas helped the students of Lupaka, providing daily meals of highly nutritious porridge to all 535 students. For many, it was the only meal they could count on each day.

“When the food was introduced you saw mothers bringing their children to school and attendance greatly increased. Now, students are highly motivated,” said Ndlovu.

Hunger has severe immediate and long-term consequences. Malnourished children are more exposed to disease and illness. Without an education, they will be in a vulnerable position for life. School meals provide critical nutrition, but also encourage children to stay in school.

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