Mutsekwa Primary School serves one of the most impoverished communities in Katembe, Mozambique with many families unable to send their children to school due to lack of money to buy uniforms, books or other necessary school supplies. The majority of Mutsekwa’s pupils arrive at school already tired, hungry and thirsty. This situation results in unsatisfactory pupil attendance levels and reduced learning capability. Two out of three children leaving primary school are unable to read, write or understand basic maths. Teachers are fighting a losing battle trying to encourage regular attendance and teach hungry children.

Through this Mission Mozambique (MiMo) Food for Thought project, pupils will be provided with a daily lunch throughout each school term, consisting of rice, pasta, and vegetables supplemented with meat or fish three times weekly. This will be supported by the on-site development of a Machamba (small farm) with laying chickens providing fresh produce to enrich the diet and an opportunity for the children to learn about sustainable agriculture.

Community volunteers will prepare, cook and serve the food on the school site. The development of the Machamba will support the future sustainability of the project.

Uniforms and school supplies will be also provided for the most disadvantaged pupils on an annual basis. These include shoes, generally trainers, which are robust enough to withstand the children’s long journey to school.