Food for poor kids_5606.jpgIt is known that proper nutrition improves concentration in class, yet this is an impossibility for most rural families because of poverty and a range of challenges they face. Yet – as reported by Uganda’s Daily Monitor newspaper – councillors in one district have just passed a by-law to punish all parents who fail to pack a lunch for their school-going children.

In the last three years, rural families have seen bad weather and pests destroy crops and animals in many areas. The continuing rise in population is leading to decline in acreage available for food production and a continual decline in soil quality. Given that there is massive rural poverty, punitive measures such as these can only further disadvantage the poor. Instead of blaming the parents for low academic performance of their children, systemic measures are needed to address the causes of poverty. 

The work of Child of Hope stands in contrast to the stance taken by these law-makers. Not only is free education being provided to the children of the poorest children in the Namatala slum area of Mbale, but they are also fed, clothed and given free health checks and medical treatment. No wonder the school ranks so highly nationally in terms of the academic attainment of its pupils. In addition, its parents are supported to start small businesses that will improve their ability to feed and care for all the children in their families.