Supporting School Success to Support Children’s Futures
Children are our future — that might sound like a cliché, but it is so true. This back-to-school season might look different for students worldwide, but education and adequate nutrition remain critically important as they empower children and provide them with the tools needed to foster bright futures. Today, on International Youth Day, we’re highlighting a few of the many amazing children we serve across the globe. With proper nutrition and education, these children are working toward their bright future!
Edith, A Girl Full of Energy and Confidence
Edith, a 12-year-old girl living in Lusaka, Zambia, is a 7th grader at Bauleni Legacy Academy. Due to a variety of economic issues, Edith’s family was unable to afford the nutrition needed in their daily diets. She struggled to stay motivated and confident in her studies. Now, with the help of our partner Family Legacy Missions, Edith receives three meals a day. She feels healthier and has the confidence and energy needed to excel in school. Described by her teachers as a “joyful and intelligent young lady,” Edith also aspires to be a teacher one day.
H’Nhi’s Bright Smile
In Vietnam’s Quang Ngai province, H’Nhi is a happy 4-year-old boy with an infectious smile. Like most children in the area, H’Nhi suffered from malnourishment. He began receiving Rise Against Hunger meals, distributed by partner Children of Vietnam, through the school feeding program at Song Rin Kindergarten. After H’Nhi and the other students began receiving meals, the teachers noticed that the children had more energy and were more focused. Having the energy to play with the other students at school brings H’Nhi joy. “I like going to school because I have a lot of friends to play with,” he said.
Stephanie Dreams of Becoming a Doctor
In the rural community where 17-year-old Stephanie lives in Tremesse, Haiti, many children come from families that have received little or no education and suffer from food scarcity. Despite the death of her father and her mother living in a different country, Stephanie is a motivated, excellent student in her 10th grade class at St. Marc School, where she receives Rise Against Hunger meals distributed by partner Hands for Haiti. Since receiving the meals, she feels a lot healthier and can focus better. Education is incredibly important to Stephanie because she is working toward her dream of becoming a medical doctor one day.
Angelica’s Plan to Give Back to Her Community
Her teachers describe her as smart, committed and creative. Angelica, a 13-year-old girl living in a small town in southern Honduras, attends Jose Trinidad Reyes School and takes part in their school feeding program, receiving Rise Against Hunger meals distributed by partner Central American Relief Efforts (CARE). The school’s principal has noticed improvements since the school’s students started receiving meals; they’ve gained weight, academic performance has improved and student attendance has increased. “The Rise Against Hunger meals have brought more nutrition to my community,” Angelica said. This young girl loves her community and her plans for the future reflect that! She hopes to become a teacher as a way to give back to her community.
During this global crisis, it is important we support children’s education by helping them have the supplies necessary for a safe, healthy academic experience. Empower children around the world this back-to-school season by donating to Support School Safety and Success and participating in Rise Against Hunger’s Virtual School Supply Drive!