Miriam, an eight-year-old pupil from Kanyaluo Primary School, wakes up early every morning with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Until recently, her school days often began on an empty stomach — her concentration fading long before the first lesson ended. On some days, she didn’t even bring a pencil or notebook to write in.

That changed when TrueWorldHelp launched its School Lunch & Stationery Program — a new initiative aimed at ensuring that every child can attend school nourished and prepared to learn.

“It’s hard to focus when you’re hungry,” says Miriam softly, clutching her brand-new notebook. “Now I can eat at school and write my lessons.”

Every day, children like Miriam receive a warm, nutritious meal — often a simple plate of porridge, rice, or beans — cooked fresh at school. Alongside this, each child is given basic learning tools: pencils, notebooks, and erasers. These small items, often taken for granted elsewhere, make a world of difference here.

Teachers have already noticed the impact. Attendance rates have improved. Pupils are more alert, happier, and eager to learn. “We see brighter smiles and better grades,” says Headteacher Mrs. Odhiambo. “It’s amazing what a meal and a notebook can do.”

The program, initially launched in three schools across the Kanyaluo region, aims to reach 1,000 pupils by the end of the year. It’s part of TrueWorldHelp’s broader mission to break the cycle of poverty through education and community empowerment.

“Our goal is simple,” explains a TWH coordinator. “No child should ever have to study on an empty stomach or without basic tools for learning.”

As the sun sets over the school compound, children’s laughter fills the air. Miriam finishes her homework under the shade of a mango tree — her pencil moving quickly across the page. Tomorrow, she’ll be back in class, ready to learn, nourished in both body and mind.