Increasing food prices have impact on Salesian school feeding programs.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Sept 30, 2024) Close to 1,700 youth at Salesian schools in Uganda have better nutrition through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger. Four Salesian schools received a donation in the first half of 2024.

More than 600 youth at Don Bosco Children and Life Mission (Don Bosco CALM) benefited from the nutritious meals, as well as nearly 700 students at the Don Bosco School Bombo and 380 students at the Salesian vocational schools in Bombo and Kamuli.

In Uganda, like the rest of East Africa, food prices have increased, which has in turn impacted feeding programs at Salesian schools. These economic challenges are a result of climate change that affected the agriculture sector, doubling the cost of basic food staples like maize, rice and beans.

A Salesian noted, “We struggle to access basic foodstuffs like we used to. The price of food keeps increasing. The deployment of armed forces, due to the upcoming election, in the towns also makes people have doubts about what will happen tomorrow and scares off some of the farmers from participating in the local markets because they have no guarantee that their efforts will not be wiped out by violence.”

The Salesian added, “The Rise Against Hunger donation helped us to manage the crises that had impacted the schools. We did not have to struggle to provide meals for our students, who have been able to continue with their academic activities.”

One of the students is Kalema Ronald, age 14, who is in grade seven at Don Bosco Nursery and Primary School. He lives with his mother who works as a vendor in the market, and he came to Don Bosco CALM after his mother reached out for support for his education. He explained, “Before the Rise Against Hunger meals at Don Bosco CALM, my friends and I struggled to have a balanced diet because we were only eating posho and beans for lunch and supper.”

Salesians report that the meals have helped the students have the energy, confidence, and strength they need to focus on their studies and excel in school. Ronald wants to go into business after he’s done with school. “I thank the donors and providers of the Rise Against Hunger meals for their support of children in need.”

Don Bosco CALM rescues, rehabilitates and reintegrates children who are living on the street back into society. Along with meeting basic needs, Salesians provide education, socio-cultural activities and recreation to help youth have a bright future.

Salesians work primarily with boys who are homeless and those who have been orphaned, battered, and neglected. They also provide support for other vulnerable youth and children, including those who are HIV/AIDS positive. All of the children are in school with some attending Don Bosco Primary School, Salesian secondary schools and vocational training institutes.

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