Tanzania_Sister Anita Park 2025

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Uwemba, Tanzania, is a highland village located about 2,000 meters above sea level in the southeastern part of the country. Most of the residents make their living by farming maize and potatoes. There are seven primary schools in the area, with about 2,000 children attending.

Most children go to school without breakfast and rely on the school lunch as their main meal of the day—sometimes their only meal. Many parents spend the entire day working on other people’s farms and return home late, too tired to prepare food, so the children often eat only potatoes, the region’s main crop.

The school meals usually consist of ugali (a porridge made from maize flour) and boiled beans, and occasionally rice and vegetables. Since the meals are prepared using maize and beans contributed by each family at the beginning of the term, schools are unable to provide meat or eggs. In the past, some children who couldn’t afford to contribute were excluded from the school lunch, but thankfully now, every child receives a meal.

It is common to see children in the village with swollen bellies caused by protein deficiency. However, thanks to the support of Global Children Foundation (GCF), the schools are now able to serve small fish every Friday, as well as chicken, eggs, and bananas from time to time. This has allowed the children to have a more balanced diet with enough protein, calcium, and vitamins.

Teachers are delighted to report that school attendance has risen to 98% since GCF meal support began, and the children look forward to coming to school each day—especially for the next meal.