It is break time at Chigombero ECDE in Lunga-Lunga, Kwale County, and the once quiet corridors are now filled with the playful sounds of children, their laughter echoing off the walls.
Some dart across the open courtyard, chasing one another, while others sit in small groups, huddled together, their tiny hands carefully cradling cups of warm porridge.
The rich, earthy aroma of the porridge fills the air, a scent that has become synonymous with comfort and nourishment in this small school.
The children’s faces tell a story of contentment and joy. Wide smiles stretch across their faces as they sip the porridge slowly, savouring every mouthful.
It’s a simple meal, yet at this moment, it means everything. For many of them, this may be the only guaranteed meal of the day.
Sitting quietly along the corridors, their legs crossed beneath them, some children laugh between spoonfuls, sharing stories from their homes.
Others sit in peaceful silence, focussing entirely on the warmth of the porridge, the satisfaction it brings evident in their eyes.
Their expressions reflect not only the delight of a full stomach but also the security that this daily routine provides.
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For these young learners, porridge is more than just food. It has become a lifeline, a bridge that connects their physical well-being with their ability to learn.
This small institution has long served as a beacon of hope for the community’s youngest learners, many of whom face numerous challenges on their educational journey.
Among these challenges is hunger, which has historically hindered the children’s ability to learn effectively.
For years, children would arrive at school with empty stomachs, often too weak or distracted by hunger to focus on their lessons.
Attendance was erratic, and many parents, struggling to make ends meet, often kept their children at home to help with farming or domestic work.
Education, while valued, was often seen as a luxury in the face of daily survival.
However, in 2013, everything began to change with the introduction of a county feeding programme, which was started by the county government.
According to Governor Fatuma Achani, the feeding initiative aimed not only to provide daily meals for the children but to also promote better attendance, retention, and overall academic performance.
The programme consists of giving young learners porridge during break time to sustain them.
“Hunger has often overshadowed education, looking at the fact that many of our families live under poverty. The porridge gives children the energy they need to concentrate in class,” she said in previous interviews.
The children are also supported with some learning materials.
The ECDEs are also designed in fashionable manner, containing swinging ropes and proper play areas to create a conducive learning environment.
The ECDE’s head teacher Jane Mali affirmed that the feeding programme is changing lives, and as simple as the porridge is, it does not just transform their day, but their future.
“With full bellies, the children are no longer distracted by hunger pangs and can focus on their learning and keeps them in school more often,” she said.
She said many children who once struggled to concentrate are now more alert, energetic and engaged in class.
Mali said the school attendance has steadily increased as parents saw the direct benefit of sending their children to school where they are guaranteed a nutritious meal and quality education.
The head teacher also reported an improvement in academic performance, with young learners actively participating in lessons, engaging in group activities, and showing an overall boost in morale.
The teacher mentioned that pupils consistently arrive at school early, motivated by the knowledge that they will be provided with porridge. She expressed how amazing it is to see them happy and determined to attend classes.
Mali noted that before the introduction of the feeding programme, hunger severely affected the children’s ability to learn, with many unable to keep up academically, hindering their progress.
The school cook Amina Hamisi said the children are always happy, which keeps her going.
Hamisi, who has been the school cook for several years, is no stranger to hard work. Every morning, she rises before dawn, making her way to the school kitchen to begin preparations.
“The children are always happy with the porridge,” says Hamisi with a smile. Her words filled with pride, knowing that her efforts nourish the children physically and contribute to their overall well-being and success in the school.
Hamisi hopes the program will continue to grow and introduce lunch too, reaching even more children in need.
She said the simple act of serving porridge is a labour of love, one that brings warmth, nourishment, and hope to the children she serves each day.
By Shaban Omar
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