The power of daily school meals in Malawi
In a context where poverty often limits possibilities, the simple act of providing meals at school can bring the potential for a brighter, better future.
Published onLearning is not just about textbooks and classrooms for the pupils at a primary school in Mbayani, Malawi, it is a beacon of hope for children facing extraordinary challenges. Each day, learners come to school not only to learn, but to escape the crushing weight of hunger.
The voices of learners Trinity, Sphiwe and Sean echo a shared determination to build a better future – one that is fuelled by a simple bowl of porridge served daily at school by Mary’s Meals.
A way out of poverty
15-year-old Trinity, a grade eight student, lives with her uncle while her parents reside in another district. As the second of five siblings, Trinity’s daily life is a balancing act between ambition and adversity.
Her uncle, who has five children of his own, supports the household by running a small market stall – a job heavily affected by the weather. “The food situation at home is very difficult,” she says. “When it rains, no customers come to the market. And we know there will be no food that day because there is no money.”
Despite the hardships, Trinity remains committed to her education. “I like school because I want to be independent,” she says. “I want to learn and help the whole family.” Her favourite subjects are English and social studies, and her passion for education is fuelled by a deep sense of responsibility.
For Trinity, learning is not just a personal goal – it’s a means of lifting her entire family out of poverty.
The incentive to learn
16-year-old Sphiwe, whose name means “a gift” is in grade seven and dreams of becoming a nurse. She is the youngest of six children and lives near the school, where her mother runs a small shop. Without school, Sphiwe says, she would be expected to work in the shop all day.
“I like school because it helps me learn things I don’t already know,” she says. English is her favourite subject, and she sees education as a pathway to a brighter, more purposeful life.
But what keeps Sphiwe going isn’t just her dream, it’s also the daily porridge served at school. “Porridge gives me the strength to learn and the incentive to stay in school,” she says. This simple meal is more than sustenance – it represents motivation, nourishment and hope.
A hunger for knowledge
12-year-old Sean also finds comfort in the daily school meal. Living with his mother, Sean is the second of four children. His father, a builder in South Africa, occasionally sends money home, but it’s rarely enough.
“Mostly there is no money, and we don’t eat at home,” Sean says quietly. “It makes me feel bad because I am hungry, but I know I will get porridge at school.”
The school meal is a lifeline for Sean, easing the anxiety that comes with food insecurity. He credits it with giving him the focus he needs to learn and grow. “I am happy at school and I want to be a scientist,” he says. “Porridge will help me take the next steps.”
Sean’s words reveal not just his hunger for food, but also his hunger for knowledge and change. He dreams of becoming a better leader when he grows up – someone who, perhaps, can create the kind of change that would ensure no child goes hungry again.
A daily lifeline
For many learners at the school, porridge is more than just a meal, it’s the difference between attending school or staying home, between focusing in class or being distracted by hunger. It not only provides nourishment but also the opportunity to gain an education.
Our commitment to providing daily meals is helping to change the narrative for children like Trinity, Sphiwe and Sean. In a context where poverty can limit possibilities and opportunities, the simple act of providing a daily meal in a place of education can bring the potential for a brighter, better future.