There were days when Abel Nkube, 12, and his classmates were so exhausted on their way home from school that they lay down among the thorny scrub that covers Nkayi district, Zimbabwe, and slept. Having suffered the whole day without a mouthful of food, the two-hour walk back home was too much to bear.
But since January, the boys’ homeward trek has improved, after a charity began supplying food to the school. Unlike other organizations providing vital support in Zimbabwe, Mary’s Meals International, or MMI, is set on continuing its work despite global aid funding cuts.
“Even if we get home and there is nothing to eat, at least we have had some food at school,” Abel told Devex, on a recent visit to Amazwimabili Primary School.
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About the author
Gabriella Jozwiak
Gabriella Jóźwiak is an award-winning journalist based in London. Her work on issues and policies affecting children and young people in developing countries and the U.K. has been published in national newspapers and magazines. Having worked in-house for domestic and international development charities, Jóźwiak has a keen interest in organizational development, and has worked as a journalist in several countries across West Africa and South America.
