Feeding the Children of Kilimanjaro

Breakfast Improves Learning!

Breakfast eaters have better brain function, memory and attention. Just ask any teacher! Kids who eat breakfast on the morning before a standardized test have significantly higher scores in math, spelling and reading than those who don't. To be present when 500 little children are lining up for a hot bowl of porridge is a special experience. The smiles, laughter and bright eyes are all signals of happy children, ready and eager to be in school and learning.

Background

There are several reasons why only 58% of primary school children graduate and attend secondary school and only 34% complete secondary school (Tanzania Education Corp). One reason that contributes to this statistic is related to family income. The caregivers of these children (often elderly grandparents) are primarily subsistence farmers. Many children arrive at school with empty stomachs. Their focus is on their hunger. The capacity of children to focus and learn is diminished.

The good deed

A hot nutritious breakfast will be provided for 385 children during a full school year of 195 days. This can lead to healthier children, brighter more focussed learning, reduced absenteeism, and a higher graduation rate. Our Good Deed directly affects children's lives in a positive way...they look forward to going to school where they know they will receive breakfast. Their time in class is productive and full of impactful learning. With full tummies the children's well-being improves and their innate need to play and learn happens.

Challenge

The main goal of our GOOD DEED is to improve the educational success rate of children by providing them with a hot nutritious breakfast in the anticipation that they will have a better chance of realizing their dreams for the future. Secondarily this GOOD DEED brings more employment opportunity by providing a predictable market for small farmers and local mamas as cooks. This GOOD DEED also alleviates pressure on the local health care system by nurturing healthier children. The problem or need: The 8 villages in the ward of Marangu West are primarily populated by subsistence farmers with extremely low incomes. Most families have only one parent and many children are orphans. Many children arrive at school without eating breakfast. The actions/measures: This GOOD DEED will help to provide 4000-5000 children with a nutritious breakfast in 12 schools. Anticipated changes: Changes in children are increased focus, energy, well-being and success in school.