From nobody to somebody

Our nutritious school meals give hungry children the energy they need to come to school and learn – but the impact of Mary’s Meals goes far beyond the classroom. It gives children the opportunity to become the men and women who will lift their communities out of poverty. 

Chimba Daniel, a volunteer teacher, from Zambia, fully embodies the true and lasting impact of Mary’s Meals. 

The former Taonga Primary School pupil says: “When I was at school, the most important part of my time there was the introduction of Mary’s Meals’ porridge. Having the porridge transformed my story.  It changed my life from nobody to somebody.” 

Before the school feeding programme arrived at his school, Chimba Daniel would leave early. According to the UN nearly 50% of the population in Zambia struggle to meet their daily calorie needs, and with survival often taking precedence over school, 45% of primary school-age children are forced to abandon their education prematurely. 

Reflecting on his time in school before the arrival of Mary’s Meals, Chimba Daniel says: “To paint a clear picture, when I was a little boy, I did not know or understand the value of school. I used to abscond from school a lot. I had a spirit of absenteeism until the porridge was introduced.” 

He continues: “Then I changed my approach towards education. I started to show up more regularly. I forced myself to be in school and, in the long run, I became so passionate about education.” 

Zambia is currently ranked 154 out of 191 countries and territories in the Human Development Index. Around 61% of the population lives below the international poverty line of $2.15 USD a day. For many children, Mary’s Meals is the only meal they will eat that day. 

The promise of a daily school meal set Chimba Daniel on a new path. He says: “I recall that that when I was in grade five, I used to forget a pen, but never a cup! It was all because of the impact the porridge had in my life. The porridge made me the person who loved being in school the most. I wanted to participate in school activities because I was fed.” 

Since graduating school, his passion and commitment to education has only grown stronger. Now, with an exam record full of distinctions, he has returned to Taonga Primary School – where children still eat Mary’s Meals today – to volunteer as a mathematics tutor. But his story is far from over and he has recently applied to university to study medicine and surgery.  

He says: “Studying medicine has always been my interest because I have seen that most of the surgical patients in Zambia are usually referred to other countries for treatment. And that hurts me because I know a lot of people are deprived of treatment because they may not afford to travel outside the country. When I complete my programme, I want to be the go-to person, and I want this problem of patients having to travel outside the country reduced.” 

While awaiting the outcome of his university application, Chimba Daniel remains dedicated to tutoring children in grades four to seven, determined to help shape a brighter future for the next generation. 

He says: “Just as I was helped by the porridge to realise my potential and love for education, I want to give them [the pupils] a fighting chance to achieve something in their life. 

“As I tutor, I can see that the number of pupils keeps increasing to the point that in some classes, learners must sit four of them at one desk. A lot of children are in school because of the porridge. This programme has brought a lot of positives.” 

Our nutritious school meals give children energy to learn and the opportunity to grow and become future leaders, like Chimba Daniel, who will inspire the next generation in their community. 

You can find out more about our work in Zambia and how you can support us, here.