Mary's Meals

Mary's Meals is a programme run by the Scottish International Relief to provide cereal (phala) for pupils at schools.  Within schools where the programme has been introduced, the school roll usually increased by 1/3 to 1/2 as pupils are able to access sometimes, the only food they will get per day.  In the past, both schools have fund raised to support this amazing programme.
We were delighted to see Mary's Meals in action.  On our first day we arrived just as the programme was finishing for the day. Unfortunately, on the second day, none of the village women who volunteered ended up showing up to cook the phala.  Needless to say, the Head Teacher was not happy.  He visited the Village Chief and explained how it did not look good if the Scottish visitors were unable to see the programme in action. The Village Chief then visited his people to ensure that there were cooks in the kitchen the next day...and there were.

In total, the women make 3 pots of the porridge. At Kapalamula, the pupils bring their own cups. They are given an opportunity to eat their porridge and relax. 

Serving up the phala

Finishing touches