‘You can see it when they come out to play...their whole outlook has changed’

IN THE heart of drought-stricken rural Zimbabwe, crops have withered and livelihoods have vanished but a school is emerging as a beacon of hope.

- By Frances Millar

At Dromoland Primary School, nestled in a region hard-hit by a five-year drought, a simple bowl of porridge is transforming lives and the community.

For the 279 children 154 girls and 125 boys that daily sustenance provided by the Mary's Meals programme is often the only guaranteed food they receive.

In a community grappling with hunger, food insecurity, loss of income, and the lure of dangerous gold mining, its feeding scheme has become a vital lifeline.

Healthy

It is also changing more than just attendance figures it's giving families reason to hope.

Deputy head teacher Thandiwe Mpofu, 53, said: "We no longer have learners fainting during lessons. Children are no longer stealing food from each other's lunchboxes. Now absenteeism has decreased, dropouts have returned and our pass rate is improving.

"Enrolment grows almost every week. We are even welcoming children as young as three years old.

"You can see it when they come out to play. They are healthy and in a jovial mood. Their whole outlook has changed."

Nkosizwile Nyoni, 12, transferred to Dromoland when the programme began so he could receive at least one meal each day.

But he had to leave his mother and baby sister behind. And though closer to the school, his new home is still 11 miles away.