A hungry student is not able to concentrate in the classroom and has a difficult time learning. We found many of the students in our school system were coming to school hungry and had nothing for lunch. Teachers complained of lack of attention on the students’ part.

Misgana Ministries initiated a school feeding program in November, 2009, for all students at the school. Participation is not dependent on family income nor any other factor; each student is fed a free and nutritious breakfast and lunch each school day.

For breakfast each receives fafa, a hot porridge-like meal that provides the nutrients that each growing child needs. The lunch menus rotate through a two-week cycle of fish soup, the national foods of shiro and injera, vegetable beef soup, spaghetti, macaroni, etc.

Both the Nursery School/Kindergarten campus and the Primary School campus have feeding programs. Both have the same menus.

At the Primary School, the feeding center is modern, open, and cheerful facility which matches the quality of the newly constructed school. The facility at the Nursery/Kindergarten has been upgraded with modern gas cookers, an all-weather dining area, and improved food preparation and storage facilities.

With attention to a quality diet and efficient food preparation, we are able to feed each student healthy and substantial meals of breakfast and lunch for a total of 25 U.S. cents per student per day.

This ongoing program will continue as the schools are expanded and more classes are added. The outpouring of expressions of gratitude by students and parents are heartfelt for both the improved health of the student body and the ability of the children to focus on their lessons in the classroom.