Chapter 01
Children reclaiming brighter futures
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A new generation is being born every moment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each child arrives into a world full of potential and challenges. While life expectancy has grown over the decades, many still face steep barriers on their path to a better future.
Nutrition
remains one of the most pressing challenges, especially in communities where families face recurring shocks and limited access to resources. Many children grow up without consistent access to the food they need to thrive.
In classrooms across the DRC, children arrive with curiosity and ambition. But hunger, instability, and the weight of household responsibilities often interrupt their path. Some step away from school—not by choice, but by necessity.
In classrooms across the DRC, children arrive with curiosity and ambition. But hunger, instability, and the weight of household responsibilities often interrupt their path. Some step away from school—not by choice, but by necessity.
Yet, with the right support, they return. Schools are becoming more than just places to learn. They’re safe spaces where children can receive nourishing meals, helping them focus, grow strong, and, ultimately, build a better future.
“We come to school every day because we know we’ll eat. After eating, I can focus entirely on my studies and follow the lessons properly.”
Adele Nzambi, student Kasai Oriental
Kasai
Oriental
“As a mother with children in this school, I am part of the women’s group preparing meals. My children enjoy rice and beans mixed with oil and can study in good conditions. Their health has also improved.”
Jeanne Tshizubu, Kasai Oriental
Mao, Remy, and Marie are just a few of the many children redefining what the future can look like. Through resilience and support, they, and countless others, are reclaiming hope, one step at a time. These are their stories.
Children reclaiming brighter futures
9, Mbuji-Mayi
Mao Kongolo
Nine-year-old Mao Mulumba Kongolo starts each day with enthusiasm, eager to learn. His family, like many in his community, relies on small-scale farming to survive—but harvests are unpredictable, and meals are often scarce. Just a year ago, Mao was severely malnourished and too weak to attend school regularly.
But everything changed when the school feeding programme was introduced. Now, Mao attends school daily, knowing he will receive a hot meal that keeps him nourished and energized.
Mao now thrives in his favorite subject, French, and dreams of becoming a teacher. “I want to teach others as I have been taught,” he explains.
Outside the classroom, Mao enjoys playing football with his friends. His resilience and determination are a testament to how impactful school meals can be, providing more than just food—they offer hope and a brighter future.
“I want to study to learn more and more. With school meals,I don't want to miss school anymore.”
“I am a farmer. When I wake up in the morning, I get my children ready to go to school. Then, I go to work in the fields, and when I return, I prepare food at home so that when the children come back from school, they find the food ready. The work we, as parents, do in the community fields helps feed our children at school.”
Anastasie, Tanganyika
“When the school feeding programme hadn't started, I only ate once a day. Now, I eat in the morning at school and in the evening at home. That's my joy.”
Adele Nzambi, student in Mbu
Children reclaiming brighter futures
12, Tanganyika
Marie Yumba
“My name is Yumba Kakudji Marie. I’m 12 years old, and I study at Lubule School,” she says brightly. Every day begins with a routine that blends responsibility and excitement. “In the morning, I wash, brush my teeth, clean the dishes, fetch water, eat, put on my uniform, and head to school,” she explains.
Lunchtime is a highlight. “When the food arrives, we wash our hands and eat together. I love sharing meals with my friends.”
The impact of school meals is clear. They give children the energy to focus in class and the strength to carry on with their day. For Marie, the meals are more than just sustenance—they are a reason to come to school every day.
School has become a space of community, growth, and joy. The meals nourish her, the lessons motivate her, and the games with friends bring laughter and connection. Every moment at school reflects the power of simple, consistent support—and the promise of a brighter future.
“Thanks to the meals we receive at school, we have the strength to follow lessons, and when we come home, we still feel full. This food makes us happy and keeps us coming back to school every day.”
“Of all the subjects at school, I love recitation. Because in recitation, there are many stories and moral lessons.”
“Of all the subjects at school, I love recitation. Because in recitation, there are many stories and moral lessons.”
“When I don't have school, I like helping my mother with different tasks at home. The chores I can do at home include cleaning the dishes, pounding cassava, fetching water, and playing with my friends.”
Children reclaiming brighter futures
13, Tanganyika
Remy Kapila
“My name is Remy Kapila, I'm 13 years old, and I am a student in the fourth year at Vumilia Primary School,” he begins. Each day, his routine reflects the rhythm of a young life in his village. “In the morning, I wash, eat, and head to school,” he says.
At school, learning is balanced with hands-on activities. “We study in class, and during recess, we go to the garden to do some work,” he explains.
On days without classes, Remy accompanies his father to the fields. “I help him work there before coming back to play,” he says. His responsibilities at home are many, from cleaning and fetching water to running errands at the market.
He explains how the meals help him remain engaged throughout the day. “When we're full, we're more attentive, and we can concentrate until the end of the lessons.”
His aspirations for the future are bold and ambitious. “When I grow up, I'd like to become a minister, a teacher, or a doctor,” he says.
With each passing day, Remy dreams bigger and works harder, fueled by the knowledge that education can unlock a world of possibilities.
“Before, I didn't enjoy school. But now, with this programme, I love coming to class. I often think that if I had started school earlier, I'd be much further along by now.”
“Once I get home, if there are chores like cleaning dishes, I do them. I can sweep the yard, fetch water, and when I return, I play with my friends.”
“This food is important because it gives us the strength to stay in school. When we're full, we concentrate better and understand what the teacher is teaching us.”
