Eliane Rasoanandrasana, 24, finishes her first day volunteering in the newly built canteen at Ambohimiarina Primary School. She is now part of a team of parents that help cook free nutritious lunches for all the students in her daughter’s school using food and supplies provided by Feedback Madagascar.
The school feeding programme started one week ago at Ambohimiarina Primary School, the only school in a small village in Ambatofinandrahana, in the southern high plateau of Madagascar. The news about the program excited the community and encouraged many parents to enroll their children in school, causing an increase from 67 to 83 pupils.
Madagascar is one poorest countries in the world and is also burdened by some of the highest rates of stunting and wasting in children worldwide. Nearly half of all deaths in children under age 5 in Madagascar are caused by a lack of nutrition. Widespread poverty is the main cause of undernutrition and, with the school feeding programme, both nutrition and education can be addressed simultaneously.
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When the Feedback Madagascar team arrived to supply the canteen materials and food, everybody - including teachers, parents, and students - showed up and cheered, displaying their excitement and gratitude. ‘‘I am happy that Ambohimiarina school has benefitted from the school canteen as well,’’ said Eliane, beaming a bright smile. Ambohimiarina primary school was added to the school feeding programme in the second round of expansion of the project. ‘’I was sad before when I knew that other schools in this area had the programme and not our school,” said Eliane.
The school feeding programme has already changed Eliane’s life. “When I get home in the evening, I can now prepare a good dinner for my family since I have earned a lot of money”, said Eliane. Eliane’s daughter is 5 years old and in the preschool class. Prior to the programme, Eliane would work in the field from 8 am to 12 am, and would stop to run home to prepare lunch for her daughter.
She would earn 4,000 ariary (about $1) for her four hours of work and had a hard time buying enough nutritious food for her family.
She would earn 4,000 ariary (about $1) for her four hours of work and had a hard time buying enough nutritious food for her family.
Eliane serving food on her first day volunteering at her daughter's school.
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Eliane's daughter, left, with friends.
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Now, since her daughter started eating meals at school, her life changed. “I go to work every day but since my child has meals here at school, I no longer have to go home at midday for lunch. So, I can increase my work hours and earn more money.”
Eliane now earns 8000 ariary, doubling her income.
Eliane now earns 8000 ariary, doubling her income.
She is also now able to take a day off of work to help in the canteen about once a month, rotating the schedule with the other parents. “I love participating in the school canteen because it is a delight to prepare meals for the kids. It is not difficult since I do the same at home. The only problem is fetching water,” said Eliane.
Thanks to Mary’s Meals and Feedback Madagascar, Eliane now has the opportunity to improve her life by earning more income and feeding her daughter, the next generation, every day at school.
“This school canteen is very helpful. Not only for these children but for us parents too,” said Eliane.
Thanks to Mary’s Meals and Feedback Madagascar, Eliane now has the opportunity to improve her life by earning more income and feeding her daughter, the next generation, every day at school.
“This school canteen is very helpful. Not only for these children but for us parents too,” said Eliane.
