Taking initiative: Tawanda Ndhlovu in front of the serving shelter and covered dining area, in the distance
An innovative serving station will protect children from harsh weather conditions
Andrew Ewoku
The relentless sun beats down on the sandy yard at Amoth Primary School in South Sudan’s state of Gogrial West. At lunch time, queues of children – there are about 900 in the school – line up there for their school meal.
Mothers spend the morning cooking the nutritious rice and lentils in a large pot.
Until recently, there was no protection for them or the children who had to wait in the rain or shine for their food.
Because when the sun isn’t beating down, the rain probably is. This is South Sudan’s climate of two seasons, dry and wet.
Clearly, this was not ideal and ForAfrika’s team in the area came up with a bright idea that could serve the children, the chefs and their families.
Innovative thinking
Under the guidance of Tawanda Ndhlovu, ForAfrika’s Food Assistance Technical Coordinator, they motivated about 40 parents from the most vulnerable families at the school to build a serving station, kitchen and dining room using locally found materials.
The serving station, made of wooden poles and topped with a thatched roof, now allows the food to be served more efficiently and keeps the children safe from the elements while they wait.
“It is also a more hygienic way to serve the food,” says Tawanda.
A thatched kitchen hut was also built to protect the women preparing the food and an energy-saving stove was installed.
“The newly constructed kitchen has more space and is well ventilated. The stove ensures food is cooked fast, using less firewood which is better for the environment,” says Tawanda.
A third structure is a shaded eating area so children can sit and enjoy their lunch at a more leisurely pace.
Compensation
Parent workers were compensated with supplies of MannaPack fortified rice that allowed them to feed their families.
The simple project is an example of a food-for-asset intervention whereby people are given food in return for building a community asset, such as a pond, road or dining room.
“In the past, we were served under direct sun, from a makeshift kitchen. Now we can eat in the shade!” said head girl Anguei Deng Wol. “It has helped both the pupils and parents, alike.”
Andrew Ewoku is Communications Officer for South Sudan
