Healthy Meals For Colombian
Students
Pedro’s
eyes shot open to another day. It was early but the Colombian boy had to
quickly dress into his school uniform and get going. It was a long walk
to class and he didn’t want to be late. His stomach was already growling
in anticipation of what might be served for breakfast at school. Find out
how Pedro and his classmates receive nutritious meals during the school
year.
The Lucero Alto School is a private
Christian institution open to poor elementary and middle school students
in the surrounding area. It is run by Operation Blessing partner CDA Colombia.
There is a serious need for solid education in Colombia. Research done by
CDA’s Missy Rose Christie shows that more than 3.5 million children
don’t attend school and 8% of the population above 15 years old is
illiterate. Eleven million Colombians do not receive income of any kind
or live on less than one USD a day. CDA desires to restore the fabric of
Colombian society by showing students how to become productive and develop
the necessary skills needed to face the challenges of today’s world.
However it’s hard to teach hungry students.
The Nutrition Project came to life at the Lucero Alto School last term.
An average of 650 children began receiving a healthy breakfast and lunch
every day. Operation Blessing and its partners helped to provide breakfast.
Weekly, the menu included oatmeal porridge, milk, fruit, eggs and toast.
“I want to thank God and all of you for the valuable help you have
given me through the school breakfasts,” shared Pedro. “Just
like many others, I didn’t have a way to eat breakfast until the
school gave it to me. I didn’t eat anything at home because there
was no money to buy such things. This is why I am happy with the breakfasts
provided by the school. I am grateful.”
According to a medical team that makes free weekly visits to the school,
third grader Carmen Alicia had been experiencing low body weight and learning
problems related to malnutrition. After being a part of the Nutrition
Project for a while, the situation improved. “I give thanks to CDA,
to the donors and to the school at Lucero Alto,” expressed Carmen.
“Today I want to send a blessing to all who have helped me receive
my daily food.”
These meals contribute to 75% of the children’s daily nutritional
requirements for proper development. Missy Christie reports, “Their
academic level improved as well as their overall nutritional state. God
has truly used you as an instrument of blessing to many little lives.”
Every day thousands of boys and girls go to school and bed hungry. It’s
difficult to concentrate in class when you don’t know when the next
time you will eat is going to be. Join us in helping children all over
the world grow into strong adults.
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