May Food Distribution- Behind The Scenes
In preparation for a busy month of May at our partner primary schools a ‘flour’ order was placed on the 22nd of April. We had hoped the loaded trucks would depart Blantyre on the 29th of April but due to supplier-side delays the trucks did not take off until the 4th of May, with the ‘flour’ arriving the next day.

May Food Distribution- Just In Time!
Distribution of the food began as soon as the truck arrived and on the 5th of May the following schools received their allocated food delivery; Kazengo, Mzimba LEA, Kaphuta, Davy, St. Paul’s & Kazomba. The remaining schools received their deliveries on the 6th of May (Kabuku, Chamngulube, Matewu & Macherecheta) & 8th of May respectively (Chabere, Kanyerere). Despite the heavy rains we are happy to report the flour was delivered in a dry condition!

May Food Distribution- In Numbers
– We ordered 21,000 kgs of ‘Likuni Phala’ flour
– We distributed 20,990 kgs to partner primary schools in Mzimba
– 10kgs of food was donated to the Kurya Ndiko Uku CBO

At the time of distribution, we estimated 13,692 learners will receive a school meal for the remaining 18 days this semester. A few schools will be left with a small surplus balance that will be used in the 3rd school term. Most schools plan to close for this term on the 3rd of June. The expected daily usage for all schools is estimated to be 1,085 kgs.

May Food Distribution- Even The Best Made Plans Go Wrong
In the end our calculations were knocked off course. As a result of the government issuing a directive that schools no longer collect funds for their ‘development funds’, many school could no longer pay their cooks or pay any school feeding support staff. The knock-on effect delayed school feeding for 8 days at Mzimba LEA, 10 days at Kazengo and 12 days at Kaphuta. Many school committees in the interim agreed to re-start cooking the school meal on a voluntary basis. As a result Mzimba LEA resumed cooking on the 17th of May, Kazengo on the 19th of May and Kaphuta on the 23rd of May. While some other schools were also affected by the decision they had enough funding to tide them over for a month and continued as normal.

May Food Distribution- Stoves & Pots
In tandem with the May food deliveries, Seibo Malawi also sent replacement cooking pots & stoves as replacement for tired stock. Here is a quick summary of what each school received:
– Due to increased enrolment numbers, Kazengo received 4 x new stoves and accompanying pots.
– Mzimba LEA received 2 sets of stoves & pots to replace damaged stoves.
(Both Kazengo and Mzimba still require further equipment donations to ensure optimal school feeding)