Feeling the constant gnawing pain from an empty stomach is not something that any child should have to endure. Hunger can derail a child’s focus, making their ability to succeed in school nearly impossible. Yet this is a sad reality faced by hundreds of thousands of youth every day. That’s why we partner with other humanitarian organizations that provide nutritious food, allowing us to feed so many hungry children in impoverished communities around the world.
Last year in Zambia, our Salesian Sisters who operate the Don Bosco Primary and Secondary School in Luwingu were able to serve nutritious meals to 5,000 children. This was made possible through our partnership with Feed My Starving Children. This donated food was essential for these impoverished students, giving them the energy to focus in the classroom.
In Benin, 550 youth attending Foyer Don Bosco — located in one of the poorest districts of Porto-Novo — benefit from a feeding program that provides nutrient-packed meals, thanks to our partnership with Rise Against Hunger. “One of the main successes of the program has been its strong emotional impact and the children’s positive reaction,” explains Father Michael Conway, Director of Salesian Missions. “The nutritious food has resulted in fewer cases of malnutrition and other illnesses related to undernourishment. And now the students can focus on their education instead of the pangs of hunger.”
Franck, a teenager who lives at Foyer Don Bosco, is grateful for the meals he receives. “Many of us did not always have enough to eat, and it was hard to follow the lessons,” he says. “Today we’re able to have meals and eat good food. When I eat, I am happy, I feel strong and I can learn at school. For us, a meal is not just about eating. It is also knowing that someone, somewhere, is thinking of us and loves us.”
Father Emannuel Azagba, director of Foyer Don Bosco, shared his gratitude by saying, “I extend our heartfelt thanks for the food assistance received through Rise Against Hunger. Providing a meal to a vulnerable child goes far beyond feeding. It is helping them believe in their future and grow in good health while keeping them in school without the burden of survival and protecting them from the street. It is also a way of preserving family unity in contexts where poverty often breaks bonds.”
Our critical partnerships with Feed My Starving Children and Rise Against Hunger are just two examples of other humanitarian organizations who help us feed hungry children – but it is your partnership and generosity that help fund the shipment of this life-saving food to our mission sites. Without you, it would not be possible.
Learn more about our work in Zambia.
Our mission is to work in collaboration with other humanitarian organizations to fill empty stomachs and heal the body, mind and soul. What’s your mission?
