MARY’S MEALS: Help us stop child hunger in South Sudan

Children are bearing the brunt of the immense suffering in South Sudan, one of the poorest countries in the world.

Due to recent conflict in the region, there are around 2.3 million internally displaced people in South Sudan. Over 30% of children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition.

Mary’s Meals has been serving school meals in South Sudan since 2008, and we feed approximately 86,838 children in 133 schools every school day.

This work wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of local volunteers and teachers, who put every effort into ensuring the next generation can dream of a brighter future.

Thomas

Every morning, 11-year-old Thomas sets off to go to school in a makeshift building in Wau, South Sudan where he receives a daily serving of Mary’s Meals.

He says: “At home, the family shares food together from one plate. I wanted to come to school every day, but with hunger, I was not able to walk. Now we get food in school and we are so happy. One day I will get a good job and take care of my mother, who is always working too hard to care for us.”

Abraham 

As Programmes Volunteer for Mary’s Meals, Abraham, explains, a meal in school means more than just satisfying a child’s hunger. He says: “The food helps them stay happy at school. It has reduced the burden of children worrying where they will get food to eat. The programme has also helped learners to live in unity.”

James

Teacher, James, understands the importance of education for children and for the future of South Sudan. He says: “What motivated me is that the programme is a collective responsibility which helps the children to be active in school.

“A country like South Sudan needs education to stabilise economically and produce more professionals like doctors, lawyers, and other professions.”

Mary

And for Mary, who is responsible for food monitoring, attendance and kitchen hygiene at her local school, she has witnessed the huge difference the Mary’s Meals programme has made to the families around her.

She says: “I have been volunteering for the last eight years here. There are more learners enrolled in the school now. The children who do not receive food at home are eating in the school, which is having a profound impact on the community.”

With your support, Abraham, James and Mary can continue to lift their communities out of poverty and play their part in ending the suffering for South Sudan and its children, like Thomas.

Just £19.15 can feed a child for a whole school year with Mary’s Meals and help Stop Child Hunger.

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