Thanks to everyone’s support, we are able to continue our school meal support. Please find below specific local stories and actual school meal numbers!

Southern Blantyre District

Bizzy Beez Nursery School
On December 9, Seibo Maria (Seibo Japan’s partner organization working in Malawi, collectively referred to as “Seibo”) conducted a trial meal preparation at Bizzy Beez Nursery School. They measured the nutritional value and quantity differences when increasing the amount of flour per meal from 80 grams to 100 grams.

The results showed that while 80 grams is sufficient for nursery children, it is not adequate for primary school children. Therefore, it has been decided to prepare meals using 80 grams for nurseries and community-based childcare centers (CBCCs), and 100 grams for primary schools.

（Measuring Likuni phala for schoool meal by Seibo staffs）

(Seibo staffs showing how to cook school meal）

Chisomo CBCC
On December 9, a community meeting was held with Chisomo CBCC local residents to discuss solutions for their long-standing water issues, including the construction of a well. The residents were very enthusiastic about this idea and suggested several potential locations for the well.

Despite the water issues, the community ensures strict hygiene measures are maintained at the school. Daily management verifies that there is sufficient safe water for drinking, handwashing, and cleaning utensils.

（people gathering for the meeting with local representatives）

（Children in Chisomo CBCC, washing hands before the meals）

Meetings and Training in Blantyre
The northern Mzimba team of Seibo Maria including the program manager traveled to southern Blantyre for year-end activity coordination. A joint meeting was held with the Blantyre team to review and align on the following topics:

Recording School Meal Support
Monthly report methods
Practical session on photography and videography, including optimal camera settings, composition, and differences between portrait and landscape
Safeguarding
Organizational responsibilities to prevent compromising the dignity or safety of children and vulnerable people during daily operations (based on Save the Children Japan report)
Financial Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Financial procedures for transactions applicable to the team

（Seibo staffs leading the meeting）

Watipa Nursery School
At Watipa Nursery School, there is a strong emphasis on handwashing before meals. Teachers monitor the children and make handwashing fun with cheerful songs to encourage this habit.

（Children making lines for wasing hands）

The children’s faces around the school meals shine brightly. The consistent supply of school meals fosters a sense of community and connection beyond mere nutrition. The aroma of meals brings joy among the children, and they savor each bite while enjoying its deliciousness.

Fatihu Deen Nursery School
Signing the stock ledger is a hopeful and reassuring moment, confirming the arrival of Kiluni Phala supplies and ensuring children receive nutritious meals, according to school officials.

（Getting school meals by school teachers from Seibo）

Mpotola CBCC
For some children, the meal provided may be their only meal of the day. School meals not only offer nutrition but also play a significant role in helping children feel secure throughout the day, as mentioned by the meal support staff.

School Meal Support Data (December)
Total meals provided: 256,711

・Northern Mzimba district: 238,820 meals
・Southern Blantyre district: 17,891 meals