In Lodwar, Turkana County, Kenya, the soil may be dry, sandy, and challenging for things to thrive, but the children at Ngakoriyek Academy are growing every day.
"Our learners were happy to drink porridge at 9 a.m. and eat rice for lunch for the first time on February 21 of this year," says Andrew Musundi, a retired teacher who founded and directs the academy.
Kapu Africa (Midwest Food Bank East Africa) provided the Tender Mercies meals and Unimix porridge to Ngakoriyek Academy - a partnership that combines nutrition and education. Christine Mutsoli, executive director for Kapu Africa, says Lodwar has limited economic activity, and for the past several years, the area has depended on aid to survive. Another challenge is the transportation costs to bring food to the area.
"Because of the extremely tough living conditions for some kids, the food served at the school is the only meal they get that day," says Christine. "Despite that, the kids still find reasons to laugh, smile, and play."
Ngakoriyek Academy has 345 students, 12 staff with the motto "quality education is key to life." The main challenges at the school are desks, books, food, and water.
To help feed the children of Ngakoriyek Academy and many others like them, click here.