Stories from Mary's Meals
Stories from Mary's Meals
Mona, Yemen
Mona is one of more than 4,000 children currently being served Mary’s Meals at school each day in the Aden district of Yemen. Girls in Yemen typically attend less than three years of schooling in their lifetime, and around 30% of children in Yemen fail to complete their primary education.
Mona, aged 14, says: “The meal is delicious with varied food. We have an apple, banana or cucumber, a tasty bread bun and cheese. I really feel full with this, and it helps my family to save money that we really need.
“The food enables me to better understand the lessons and do my homework. I hope to be a paediatric doctor when I am older, caring for and helping children.”
Uday, India
Uday is one of thousands of youngsters in India delighted to be enjoying Mary’s Meals in school once again, after two years of disruption and closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The re-opening of his school has been a lifeline for Uday.
Uday says: “Having food from Mary’s Meals is the most important part of my happiness.
“There was no one at my home to teach me. Whatever I had learned, I have forgotten. I was missing our teacher, the blackboard and my friends and I was not feeling good. I am very happy now to be back in school.
“Mary’s Meals is like a blessing for our family. I am hoping it will help students like me who are interested in studying. With these meals, I can understand how much Mary’s Meals do love and care for us.”
Marion, Kenya
Marion, a mother of two, knows that attending school and engaging in lessons can change the course of a child’s life. Although some of her family members and friends try to persuade her to trade her role as a volunteer for a paying job, Marion has served Mary’s Meals for years and cherishes her role in her community.
Marion says: “Education changes everything because it can propel a person from rags to riches. It is the one thing that can remove people from poverty and promise a better future of self-reliance and good morals.
“Being a volunteer is important because I feel that I play an important role in shaping the future of school children, ensuring that they get a meal at school and that they are able to concentrate in class and perform well in their education.”
