The Ngorongoro district is one of the poorest and most educationally deprived areas in Tanzania. The region is very dry and its people are often forced to migrate in search of food because of shortages brought on by drought. Migration disrupts children’s schooling and many never complete their primary education because of the need to help their parents provide food.
Gifts bought through Oxfam Unwrapped have enabled Oxfam to train 60 teachers and 60 caretakers in food handling and storage; health care for children and how to prevent infections; HIV and AIDS awareness; and nutrition and balanced diets.
Oxfam has also provided cooking pots, plates and cups, and enough beans, maize, oil, sugar and porridge to give to 29 pre-schools and 3 primary schools. In all, the school meals project has reached a total of 2307 children in the district.
Since the children have been receiving daily meals, there has been a notable drop in the number of students suffering from basic illness. Attendance levels of each school involved in the project have also increased.
It’s amazing to see the difference school dinners can make!
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