Joyful Ceremony in Zambia Thanks Children International and Sponsors for School Feeding Program

Kansas City, MO, December 12, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Representatives from schools in Lusaka, Zambia, gathered at a joyful ceremony in Kanyama to thank Children International and Children International sponsors for the assistance their students have received through the School Feeding Program.

The program provides a midday meal for sponsored and non-sponsored children in nine schools in Lusaka. Over 5,000 students, many coming from vulnerable homes, benefit from the program. Through the School Feeding Program, Children International is able to ensure that the children receive at least one meal a day.

David Houchen, Children International’s Chief Operating Officer, describes his experience during a recent visit to Nazarene Community School: “Staff members explained that some of these children are in such dire need of food that this is their only guaranteed meal. The children each carried their green bowls carefully back to crowded classrooms to eat the food they so anxiously waited for in a perfect, patient line.”

Children International Advisory Council member Mary Lockton commented from the same visit, “Those children touched my heart. They were clearly so thankful for the simple food they received. I will never forget their faces.”

The schools involved in the program have also seen an increase in attendance. Average attendance in September 2012 was 98% for the nine schools, compared to 88% for the original five schools in 2009 before the School Feeding Program began.  

The ceremony included poetry, singing and dancing. Representatives from each school attended the ceremony and presented Children International with a Shield of Thanks to show their appreciation.  

To learn more about the work Children International does in Zambia, visit the Zambia page on our website.

About Children International
Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience, and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.

For more information about Children International, visit www.children.org.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christy Howard
Public Relations
Children International
Direct:  (816) 943-3730
Email:  choward@children.org