
Relief: Adália Tokuso is happy that her grandchildren have a nutritious meal every day
Many people in Angola are suffering after a drought has decimated their farming endeavours
Kenia Diva
Many families in Angola are merely surviving. Drought has decimated crops and the huge rise in costs has left people desperate for food and other household essentials.
For some, a meal provided at school is a lifeline. Parents know that their children are at least getting one highly nutritious meal a day and are able to concentrate and learn.
João de Sousa, director of Lusite school said: “This academic year is very difficult for all of us. The economic situation of Angolan families has worsened since the increase in fuel prices and today, small farmers are no longer able to support each other.
School meals are a great support
“School meals have served as greater support for our students and, in addition, have greatly improved our school presence.”
ForAfrika provides highly nutritious MannaPack rice for use in school meals. MannaPack rice is fortified with important ingredients including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and can be supplemented with vegetables if they are available.
Joaquina Kafka Tchianda, an 11-year-old pupil at Lusite school, said she really loves the rice and that for this reason she doesn’t miss classes.
“I really like the MannaPack because it has a very nice smell and always puts me in a good mood. When I grow up I want to be a police officer, because I want to help maintain public order. Whenever I’m with my parents I like to plant this idea for them so they can be proud and motivated to always support me,” she says.
Adália Tokuso, a 63-year-old in charge of two grandchildren who attend the school said: “First of all, I want to thank you for the work that ForAfrika has provided to our community. Our children no longer feel forced to go to school; there is motivation to go there – the first meal of the day. This has been a relief for those who are always working hard in the fields to obtain something and feed the family. I hope my grandchildren are teachers and nurses so they can both help each other and have an easier life.”
Kenia Diva is Communications Officer in Angola