We have released the activity report for February 2025 from Malawi.
1.Japanese Emperor’s birthday reception
On February 20, 2025, Seibo Maria attended the Japanese Emperor’s birthday celebration at BICC in Lilongwe, following an invitation from the Japanese Embassy. Representing Seibo Maria at the event were Victor, Future, and Mwai. This event provided a valuable platform for networking with government officials, corporate partners, and diplomatic representatives.
Seibo Maria set up a pavilion showcasing its work through banners and a projector presentation. The event featured speeches by key dignitaries, including H.E. Ambassador Oya and Hon. Nancy Tembo, highlighting Japan’s contributions to Malawi. The celebration also included cultural performances and a traditional Kagami Biraki (barrel-breaking) ceremony.
Through this engagement, Seibo Maria strengthened its visibility, established new connections, and identified potential funding opportunities. A more detailed report on this event is available for reference.
Seibo Team at the event
Seibo Team with H.E. Ambassador Oya
2.Anniversary Celebration
On February 11th, we marked our 9th anniversary, celebrating the milestone on our social media platforms. However, the main celebration event took place on February 28th in Blantyre.
As part of the celebrations, we conducted a cooking demonstration at Kriver Nursery School, attended by Seibo staff, trustees, and school directors from nearby schools.
It was a remarkable event where Seibo directors had the special opportunity to serve porridge to the children and spend quality time together. After the meal, one of our trustees, Ms. Dhlelisile Phiri, led the cake-cutting ceremony as the children joyfully sang a happy birthday song.
We shared the cake with the children, making it a truly memorable occasion.
Photos taken on the celebration day
Trustees, school directors, Seibo staff and Kriver pupils during the cake cutting ceremony
“School directors from various nurseries, gathered for a cooking demonstration, showcasing their commitment and dedication to the school feeding program, and highlighting the importance of nutrition in supporting the educational and overall well-being of their students.”
“It was my privilege to serve a hot cup of Likuni Phala to Seibo’s Program Manager himself Victor Mthulo, a gesture of appreciation for his dedication to the organization’s mission.” Picture from Kriver nursery school
Seibo trustee and manager ready to serve
School directors enjoying porridge
Cheerful faces after the cake cutting ceremony
Seibo trustee and manager enjoying porridge after serving the children
3.Director’s Meeting
After celebrating the anniversary in the morning, we concluded the day with a directors’ meeting at Mary Queen of Peace Hall, where we discussed several key issues, including proper procedures for recording new books, standardized measurements for cooking Likuni Phala, best practices for storing Likuni Flour safely, and protocols for handling emergencies such as theft of Seibo property within the schools. Additionally, the consequences of non-compliance with established procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were also emphasized.
After the meeting we distributed utensils to the schools then we closed the ceremony group photos.
Photos from the director’s meeting
Distribution of Utensils
“Seibo team, school directors, school committees, and teachers gathered together, beaming with gratitude as they expressed their heartfelt thanks to Seibo Japan following the directors’ meeting.”
Picture from ST kizito campus
4.Kakeru’s Visit
“Kakeru Yone’s visit was a resounding success, as he enthusiastically interacted with the children, forming a strong bond with them. As a representative of Japan, his warm and engaging demeanour served as a wonderful ambassadorial gesture, fostering greater cultural understanding and connection between Japan and the local community.”
Picture from Bizzy beez
“Kakeru Yone enthusiastically interacted with the children during his visit to Malawi, taking the opportunity to engage with as many young minds as possible, and creating a lasting impression on the kids who benefited from Seibo’s school feeding program.”
Picture from Tikondane CBCC
Yone Kakeru and Rina Aoyama were savouring the delightful aroma of freshly cooked Likuni Phala, a traditional Malawian porridge made from maize and fortified with essential vitamins.
The appetizing smell wafting from the well-cooked porridge was a testament to the culinary skills of the cook.
Picture from Bachi Nursery school.
“Kakeru, Rina, and Kosuke paid a visit to the Seibo Malawi Blantyre office as part of their tour to inspect the schools benefiting from Seibo’s feeding program, demonstrating their hands-on approach to overseeing the organization’s charitable efforts.”
Picture from Seibo Blantyre office
“Kakeru Yone’s visit to St. Kizito with his friends Rina and Koske is a testament to the selflessness and generosity of the Japanese people, who consistently demonstrate their commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on communities around the world.”
Picture from St Kizito
5. Appreciation to the feeding program
“The program goes beyond just providing porridge; it also fosters creativity in children as they learn and develop through play, dance, and other expressive activities, promoting a holistic approach to education and development.”
Picture from Kriver nursery school
“The Seibo team is steadfastly committed to achieving its mission of providing nourishment to every hungry child in the world, with a primary focus on its school feeding program.”
Picture from Kriver nursery school.
“A hungry person is often an irritable one. Conversely, when children have had a nutritious meal, such as hot Likuni Phala porridge, their bright and cheerful faces are a testament to their satisfaction. Indeed, happy children are often those who have had the benefit of a fulfilling meal.”
Picture from St Kizito Primary school.
The success of the school feeding program hinges significantly on maintaining proper hygiene practices, with hand washing being the most fundamental aspect. Given that we are currently in the rainy season, when cholera outbreaks are more prevalent, hand washing becomes even more crucial in preventing the spread of waterborne diseases.
Picture from Tinashe Nursery school.
Kriver Nursery School
Parents have praised the feeding program, saying it is helping them raise their children. They noted that the porridge provided at school encourages their children to attend willingly. Additionally, they observed that their children are gaining weight and looking healthier.
Kabuku Primary School
For a boy, a 10-year-old boy, the porridge means more than just food, it’s motivation.
“I happily come to school every day knowing there’s porridge waiting for me, ” he admits.
“I want to be a teacher when I grow up,” he says with confidence.
Mzimba February Figures
Boys Enrolment: 8,217
Girls Enrolment: 8,290
Total Enrolment: 16,507
Boys Attendance: 8,032
Girls Attendance: 8,119
Total Attendance: 16,151
Number of meals fed: 318,719
Blantyre February Figures
Boys Enrolment: 1,177
Girls Enrolment: 1,312
Total Enrolment: 2,489
Boys Attendance: 1,007
Girls Attendance: 1,072
Total Attendance: 2,079
Number of meals fed: 27,823
Total Enrolment: 18,996
Total Attendance: 18,230
Total number of meals fed: 346,542