Lunches for Learning

School lunch program in Matangwe, Kenya

When Ron, a retired teacher from Canada, first travelled to Kenya to volunteer at a primary school in Matangwe, he wasn't sure what to expect. But he quickly discovered what a joy it was to work with these youngsters. Teaching Math and Science to forms 6, 7 and 8, Ron was very impressed with the enthusiasm of the students and their eagerness to learn, even while cramming 3 students into one desk. However, as the day went on, he noticed that the energy level decreased and the students became less engaged and more lethargic. While talking with them, he soon found out that most of them had not eaten since the previous evening. As a teacher and a parent, Ron knew the importance of the role nutrition played in the development of a child and their ability to learn. He returned home determined to make a difference and started the CPG education program, which includes a lunch program for all local students. Today over 500 students enjoy a nutritious lunch each school day.

Background

Good nutrition and health are critical for childhood development and leads to better education with improved grades, regular attendance, and lower dropout rates. It also increases classroom participation and social development of children. However, achieving good nutrition in school children is a challenge in parts of Kenya. More than 25% of children under age 6 have stunted growth and 11% are underweight. Food insecurity is a major cause of malnutrition in children in the Matangwe region, where subsistence farming is a primary source of income. The area has been adversely affected by climate change with frequent periods of drought followed by rainy seasons. A school lunch program is an excellent tool to reduce malnutrition, and improve the overall health of school age children. Pre-schoolers are in the care of a parent/guardian, whereas older children are in school for a large portion of the day/year. School based meals have been proven to improve nutrition and are an excellent investment. One study noted that the investment of 1USD in school meals provides a 9 USD return to the overall economy. The Kenyan government’s Vision 2030 Plan highlights food security and nutrition as key goals and recommends the provision of healthy meals in all Kenyan schools. Once fully implemented this will improve childhood development and education. Healthy children will become productive adults and reduce the burden of poverty and hunger that persists today. The school lunch program is a key component of the overall CPG education program, which also includes a student sponsorship program & uniform program to ensure all students are able to attend school. Funding for the education program is solely dependent on donations, primarily received through the student sponsorship program. CPG works with the local community and schools to identify and provide educational opportunities for children who are socially disadvantaged, connecting them with sponsors who can provide the funding for the student at the secondary, college/university level. The lunch program is currently funded out of the total amount of funding raised for the education program. The education program also provides all primary and secondary students with a free uniform each year - a prerequisite for school attendance in Kenya. CPG is very committed to continue operating all 3 aspects of our education program, including the lunch program, beyond the support of 24 GOOD DEEDS.

The good deed

Each good deed will provide 3 nutritious meals for one school age child. Our goal is to promote both nutrition and learning for children during their formative years in the Matangwe region, a very poor, rural area in western Kenya. Most families exist on subsistence farming that is highly susceptible to climate change. Periods of drought are often followed by heavy rainy seasons which impact the farmers. We know that good nutrition is essential to health and development and that learning is much easier on a full stomach. But for the youngsters in this region, that is not always possible especially in times of severe food shortages. The lunch provided by CPG during the school year is often the only nutritious meal of the day. Food for the lunchtime is obtained from the hospital gardens and local vendors and prepared by staff hired locally, providing opportunities for farmers and merchants within the region. The service not only provides a significant nutritional and learning benefit but it also acts as an incentive to encourage attendance at school.

Challenge

Recently, the people in Matangwe have experienced significant periods of drought, followed by heavy rainy seasons, both of which impact crop production. With climate change, it is expected to continue to be a major challenge in this region. We know that good nutrition is essential to health and development, especially in growing children. We also know that learning is much easier on a full stomach. But for many of the youngsters in this region, that is not always possible especially in times of severe drought and food shortages. Since the inception of the lunchtime service the students and their parents/guardians have come to rely on it. The service not only provides a significant nutritional and learning benefit but it also acts as an incentive to encourage attendance at school. Many of the children have to walk a significant distance to and from school and knowing that a lunch will be provided is important, and relieves some of the burden on the parents/guardians of these students. Today 550 students receive a healthy meal every school day. With the support of the GOOD DEED program, this wonderful lunch time program will continue to provide more opportunities to support student learning and development in Matangwe.