Umoza Academy Cries for Help as Food Shortage Hits Pupils
Mzuzu, Malawi People First Foundation, through its Umoza Academy a free nursery school for orphans and underprivileged children says it is making steady progress this term despite being heavily affected by food shortages among its learners.
According to Ellen Fisher, Head of Umoza Academy, many children have been coming to school with little or no proper meals, bringing only juice, cassava, or other light foods for lunch.
“This situation is heartbreaking,” Fisher said. “We noticed that most of our kids were not eating proper food during the day, which affects their health and concentration in class. This has forced us to start providing some food here at school, even though we have very limited resources.”
She added that while Umoza Academy offers free education to children from less privileged families, the organization believes every child deserves quality care and nourishment.
“Our school is free because we understand the background of these children. But that does not mean they should lack quality meals or a safe learning environment,” Fisher emphasized. “We are therefore appealing to well-wishers, companies, and organizations to join us in this noble cause. We don’t need much just love and support for our kids.”
People First Foundation has been running Umoza Academy in Lusangazi, Mzuzu, providing early childhood education to 25 children who would otherwise have no access to school. The foundation hopes that with community and corporate support, it can continue improving the welfare of the children under its care.
