Nutritious meals increase well-being of students and their ability to continue education.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (April 9, 2024) Nearly 1,700 youth at Salesian schools in Uganda had better nutrition thanks to 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.

More than 600 youth at Don Bosco Children and Life Mission (Don Bosco CALM) received fortified rice-meals provided by Rise Against Hunger, as well as nearly 700 students at the Don Bosco School Bombo and 380 students at the Salesian vocational schools in Bombo and Kamuli.

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 such as sports programming 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.

One of the recipients of the meals is Edward Kavuma, age 12. He attends primary school at the Don Bosco Nursery and Primary School and lives with his aunt who is a subsistence farmer in a rural community in Wakiso. He previously was not studying because his aunt could not afford the school fees.

He said, “Before this Rise Against Hunger donation, it was a challenge to have a balanced diet as we were only eating posho and beans for lunch and supper because it is what the school administration could afford.”

The Rise Against Hunger meals have increased the well-being of the students because the meals are rich in nutrients. Kavuma and his classmates found the meals delicious, and the meals gave them the confidence and strength to continue with their studies. Kavuma added, “I want to be a doctor in the future and I have confidence that I will.”

The students at the vocational schools have also echoed how important the meals are for their well-being. Alex Mulangira, age 22 and a student at Don Bosco Vocational Training School Bombo, said, “Before the donation, my classmates and I would often go hungry at school because we did not have food for lunch. Some of the students dropped out because of this. With the Rise Against Hunger meals, we all have the strength and confidence to continue studying. This is important because I am studying to become a plumber and know now I will succeed.”

Uganda’s literacy rate has improved with 73% of the population literate, but only 23% of Ugandans go on to acquire a secondary education. Nearly 21% of the population in Uganda lives below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. This number rises to 33% for those living in the northern region where poverty is greatest.

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