Well, it’s June, and the kiddos are out of school. That changes the whole household routine here in the U.S., doesn’t it? Some family members are thrilled about summer break, while others, well, not so much. In the refugee camps of Uganda, June marks the middle of the school year, and parents are very happy. The reason? Their children receive a nutritious meal at school every day. When school is not in session, many families struggle to find enough food to feed their children.
Meet Mary, a 28-year-old mother of two children who attend Living Water Primary School. One child is in Primary Two, and the other is in Primary Five. Five years ago, Mary’s family was removed from the UN food assistance program. Since then, they have survived on vegetables grown in the small plot of land beside their mud hut. Unfortunately, the harvest is not enough to sustain the family. The school feeding program provides nutritious daily meals for Mary’s children. During the school term, she only needs to supplement their diet with produce from her garden. When school is closed, however, food becomes scarce.
Some days, the family goes without a meal. Yet Mary says her children no longer complain of hunger during the school term. She has also noticed a significant decrease in illness. In the past, her children would often leave school during the day because they were so hungry. Now they are happy to stay in class all day and focus on learning.
Fourteen-year-old Jonathan also shares his appreciation for the school feeding program. He joined Living Water Primary School last year in Primary Six and is now in Primary Seven, the final year of primary school in Uganda.
Jonathan’s parents separated and abandoned him, and he now lives with a relative. He often feels unloved and neglected. Since enrolling at Living Water Primary School, however, he has experienced acceptance and care unlike anything he encountered at previous schools.
Jonathan is especially grateful for the daily meals he receives. As a Primary Seven student, the academic workload is demanding and requires concentration. The school feeding program allows him to focus on his studies instead of worrying about where his next meal will come from. He is healthier, more attentive in class, and hopeful about his future.
Jonathan’s goal is to achieve one of the highest scores on Uganda’s national examinations when he graduates later this year.
Please pray with us as we seek ways to help our primary school graduates continue their education. There are very few secondary schools available, and most are located far from the refugee camps. The fees are far beyond what refugee families can afford.
We are extremely proud of our Christian primary school. Living Water Primary School has earned a reputation as a flagship school in Uganda’s West Nile Region. Through quality education, Christian discipleship, and the daily provision of food, lives are being transformed one child at a time.
We could not do all of this without you!!!
World Refugee Day – June 20th
World Refugee Day is a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and courage of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and disaster. At Living Water Community Transformation, we are honored to walk alongside refugee communities, helping meet physical needs while sharing the hope of Christ. As we reflect on this day, we invite you to pray for displaced families around the world and for opportunities to bring compassion, dignity, and lasting transformation to those seeking refuge and a brighter future.
“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25: 35 & 40
Your sister in Christ,
Ann