How is this miracle possible? “We’re blessed to have long-standing partnerships with other humanitarian organizations like Rise Against Hunger that donate tons of food and other essential items to us,” explains Father Michael Conway, Director of Salesians Missions. “The generosity of our donors helps pay for shipping these items to our mission sites where they are distributed to those who need them most. It takes only $1 to ship $14 worth of provisions.”
The impact of our Loaves and Fishes campaign is enormous. In Uganda, for example, 4,800 students at Salesian schools now receive nutritious meals on a daily basis. For many of them, it is the only food they will eat all day.
At Don Bosco CALM, hot meals are served to hundreds of young people each day. In addition, our Salesian missionaries can now deliver healthy meals to families and elderly residents living in remote areas, who would otherwise go hungry. Since the food program began, school attendance has risen and there has been a significant increase in student test scores.
Don Bosco Palabek, which offers early childhood development classes and vocational training courses, has also benefited from the program. The timing of the provisions is especially significant as the region is experiencing severe food shortages. The regular meals have lifted morale and given students the boost they need to succeed in school.
Frank, a student at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Bombo, knows firsthand the difference our missionaries have made in his life. After being orphaned, Frank became responsible for his siblings and very often, they shared one small meal a day.
Today, Frank attributes big improvements to his wellbeing thanks to our Loaves and Fishes campaign. With regular nourishment, he can focus better in the classroom and his grades have improved. Frank is currently studying metal fabrication and plans to become a professional welder so he can someday support his family and ensure they never have to feel the hopelessness of hunger again.
Fr. Mike concludes, “This is a perfect pairing. Together with Rise Against Hunger and other trusted humanitarian partners, we can provide the food our impoverished Salesian communities need to ensure that children and young people feel energized enough to thrive in school. The pathway out of poverty is through education. And healthy, nutritious food helps the mind focus and concentrate.”
Source: Salesian Missions
