The daily school meals keeping Nebyat’s love for school alive in Ethiopia
Nebyat’s improved access to education has created a positive ripple effect within her family and the broader community.
Nebyat is a 13-year-old pupil at Suta Primary School in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Her family relies on rain-fed agriculture and has been severely affected by food shortages due to drought and the devasting impact of the brutal conflict in Tigray.
Before Nebyat started receiving Mary’s Meals at her school, she was only able to attend classes two or three days a week, and she often arrived late and without the energy to learn. “Most days, I used to go to school hungry. I couldn't concentrate on my lessons at all,” she says. “Other days, I didn't even go to school. I had to stay home and help my family find food. It made me feel so sad to miss my classes and fall behind.”
Receiving daily school meals has now become the main motivation for Nebyat to attend school consistently, our local partner in Ethiopia explains. “She arrives on time and no longer misses classes due to hunger. The meals have transformed her academic performance, and she has developed into an active learner who participates in class discussions and assists her fellow students.”
“If these meals stopped, I would probably go back to my old habits, arriving late or missing school altogether because I’d be too tired and hungry,”
“Every morning, I wake up early and no longer wait at home to see if there is food,” Nebyat adds. “I know a meal is waiting for me at school, and that helps me stay focused on everything my teacher says.”
Nebyat’s improved access to education has created a positive ripple effect within her family and the broader community. Her family has remarked on her significant changes in behaviour, noting her increased commitment and fierce dedication to her studies. Education is vital to Nebyat because she dreams of becoming a doctor to serve her country.
“If these meals stopped, I would probably go back to my old habits, arriving late or missing school altogether because I’d be too tired and hungry,” she says. “It would be so hard to finish my homework or stay focused in class. This daily meal is what keeps my love for school alive. It is the only thing that keeps my dream of becoming a doctor possible."