Children's stories
Francisco, Malawi, aged 11
Francisco is one of five siblings who live with their mother and father in Malawi. His parents try to make ends meet by working and farming, but there isn’t enough money to but food in the morning.
Like many children in the community Francisco is grateful for the porridge he receives every day, from Mary’s Meals.
He said: “I am happy to eat Mary’s Meals’ phala every day I’m here in school because it is nutritious and it makes me full.”
Ester, Liberia, aged 15
Life is very hard for Ester and her grandmother, who live in Zambia, they often struggle to find enough food to eat.
Ester’s typical day involves waking at 4am to carry out household chores before getting ready for her hour walk to school.
At breaktime, she looks forward to receiving her steaming mug of porridge from Mary’s Meals which fills her empty stomach and allows her to concentrate on her studies.
She said: “Phala [porridge] takes away my hunger and since I don’t feel hungry, I do better in class. “School is important because in the future I want to be independent and I don’t want to be struggling like I am at the moment.”
Ballah, Liberia, aged 13
The nutritious meal helps Ballah, who dreams of becoming a doctor, concentrate in class. But it also gives him plenty of energy to play football with his best friend Zinnah.
He said: “We don’t have a team; we just practice among ourselves. I play number 9 [striker]. I can head the ball and kick with both feet. “My favourite team is Barcelona, and I love Messi. I can play better than Zinnah, but if you ask him, he’ll tell you he’s the best!”
Tisa, Zambia
After Covid-19 caused Tisa's school, in Zambia, to close Mary’s Meals has been providing her community with the meals she needs to concentrate on her lessons at home.
Tisa’s looks after her four siblings, after her parents were forced to move villages for work. She said: “I have been heading our household for a year now, since our parents went to a nearby village for farming purposes.
“With the coming of Mary’s Meals community distribution programme, we are rest assured that we will now be having something to eat every morning and we will be energetic once more! I am happy with the support, you should continue helping us!”
Susan, Malawi, aged 11
Mary's Meals helps Susan, from Malawi, concentrate on her studies.
The 11-year-old dreams of finishing school and becoming an accountant, so that she can help support her family. A daily mug of phala (porridge) allows her to focus and thrive in the classroom.
Susan said: “The phala helps me to not feel hungry. It gives me energy. I am able to concentrate fully and be attentive in class because my stomach is full.
“Once I complete school, I will be very happy because I’ll be able to help my parents.”