Children reclaiming brighter futures
9, Mbuji-Mayi
Mao Kongolo
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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
