23 million primary aged children in Africa attend school hungry. This impacts their focus and concentration, not to mention their energy levels and mood, making it very difficult for them to gain anything from their school day.
Through our Fill My Cup initiative, we have been providing children in Kenya and Tanzania with a hot and nutritious breakfast every single morning. Since January 2020, we have provided nutritious breakfasts to 1784 children in Tanzania and 3318 children in Kenya who would otherwise go without.
The nutritious breakfast contains wimbi flour, milk and sugar – all of which will keep the children full, nourished and ready to learn. For some, this is the only filling meal they eat that day. We also provide a healthy snack at midday to keep them sustained and their energy levels high. These vary between bananas, biscuits, bread and hard-boiled eggs to name a few.
Giving a child a healthy breakfast can improve their concentration, motivation and general behaviour. We have seen first-hand the difference this project has made. The children who are part of this programme are happier, more energised and able to focus more in the classroom.
The healthy meals boost their academic performance, allowing them to make the most of their education, which is the starting block in lifting their families out of poverty.
Regular healthy meals also have a positively drastic effect on the overall health and vigour of the children, who can now enjoy their time in school.
