Komi doesn’t know his parents. For as long as he can remember, he has lived with his aunt and uncle. Despite the sadness he feels when he thinks of his parents, Komi finds joy in helping his uncle in the fields where he works, seeing his friends at school, and practicing math.
Math is important to Komi because he wants to be a building contractor when he grows up. But in order to continue to grow and learn and follow his dreams, he has to go to school.
“The food I get at school is the reason I come to school every day,” he said.
This sentiment rings true for many of Convoy of Hope’s Children’s Feeding participants.
Most of Convoy’s Children’s Feeding centers are in schools. School-based feeding offers the most sustainable, cost-effective, scalable delivery system to end the cycle of poverty. Additionally, parents are more likely to send their children to school if their children are fed. Food is making it possible for children to read and write, improving their economic opportunities in the future.
The meals Convoy provides through the Children’s Feeding initiative are thoughtfully designed to boost cognitive development in children. Convoy’s in-country nutritionists monitor and evaluate the appropriate blend of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and proteins. Each child is measured and weighed on a regular basis to track health and growth.
Additionally, Convoy ensures children in the program have access to deworming medication. This is critical when addressing malnutrition, as parasites prevent nutrient absorption.
For Komi to achieve his dreams, he needs to be in school. Since he receives nutritious meals at school, he wants to be there. While he’s there, he has the energy to focus, learn, and work toward his future.
