By Sylvia Costantini | Program Director
This month, we’ve had two reasons to celebrate: For one, Sierra Leone was officially declared Ebola-free on November 7th, 2015. This was a great moment when the entire country gathered to dance and wave goodbye to Ebola. Of course, we remain vigilant, because a new outbreak is still possible, but we are so relieved and proud of our nation for having defeated such a powerful enemy.
Second, thanks to your generous donations, we were able to start the Kids Kitchen project.
From November 2nd, 2015, (as soon as we received the funds from Global Giving), all the 150 children (68 boys, 82 girls) of the We Are the Future nursery and primary school started receiving daily lunches. The lunches consist of fried rice with fresh vegetables from the garden, cassava leaves and rice, meat, spaghetti, etc. and the kids are loving it.
The parents are requested to pay 2$ per month for the school feeding program for each child, to participate in the expenses. When they cannot afford it, we work with them one-on-one to establish a more appropriate pay-scale. But all the children receive the same food every day for lunch and this is a great way to promote equality among them.
John Donald Sandy, our project manager explained that “Uniformity in food has eradicated discrimination between the children. Now they all wear the same uniform, eat the same food and are taught by the same teachers"; whereas before some kids were getting lunch boxes from their parents and others weren't. The parents are very happy and thankful for the daily lunches provided at school. They explained that the children can now do their homework or rest after school and are not worried about food immediately after school.
“On behalf of the school management, pupils, teachers and parents we are saying thanks to the donors and well-wishers who have supported the Kids Kitchen project of YaLa Africa and the We Are the Future School. You have put smiles on the faces of our children and we are much grateful.”
We're still raising funds to complete this project and build a full kitchen, so please share with your friends and on social media. Thanks!
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