Warm cup of porridge is best thing about school

EIGHT-year-old Anastasia suffers with sickle cell disease and is carried to her school in the heart of Zambia for a cup of fortifying porridge.

- Steph Spyro

And the daily dose of nourishment has totally transformed Anastasia's quality of life, says her grandmother, Joyce.

Anastasia rides on the back of her gran, 68, who treks uphill for around 30 minutes to Tafika Primary School in Chithambo every day.

The quiet schoolgirl, who hopes to be a teacher, suffered a stroke couple of years ago which has left her arm and leg on one side of her body paralysed.

A stroke is not uncommon for those who suffer with the lifelong health condition affecting the red blood cells.

Everyday symptoms include painful episodes called sickle cell crises - which can last for weeks - an increased risk of serious infections, and anaemia.

Speaking on a step outside Anastasia's school, Joyce said: "After Anastasia started taking porridge at school, her health has improved. The problem with her hand and leg doesn't occur often since taking porridge.

Nutritious