No child should go to school on an empty stomach. Yet in Malawi, this is the daily reality for many young children arriving at nursery.
That's why, with your support, Open Arms provides over 600 children with free pre-school education and a nutritious bowl of porridge every weekday through nine, community-led Nursery Schools - filling their tummies, feeding their minds and fuelling their potential.
When Gracious was abandoned by his parents at just a year old, his future was heartbreakingly uncertain. But supporters like you helped us keep him safe, reunite him with his grandmother, and surround him with the care he needed during those early years.
Then, at two years old, Gracious took a big step forward: he started at Tisawataye Community Nursery School, where he immediately began making friends, learning through play and growing in confidence. His grandmother was able to keep working at the local market, knowing he was safe, supported and thriving.
Now in Standard 1 at Primary School, Gracious is doing well and building on the strong start he received at nursery. His regular attendance has played a huge part in that success.
For families facing food insecurity, a nutritious bowl of porridge at school not only supports healthy development and helps children stay alert in class, it can be the difference between a child attending consistently or missing out - and it’s that consistency that helps children like Gracious thrive.
In Malawi, early years education helps level the playing field. It helps children arrive in primary school ready to learn, strengthens early reading and number skills, and makes it far more likely they will stay in education.
Children growing up in poverty often gain the most from this early support.
Daily meals help unlock all of that.
As the cost of food continues to rise in Malawi, your support helps us keep children nourished and learning every day.
Just £10 supports a child through a month of nursery school, including that all-important daily meal.
And right now, donations are being doubled thanks to match funding - so your gift will reach twice as many children.
If you can, please 'help provide school meals' below.
Thank you for helping children in Malawi learn, thrive and start to build a brighter future!
P.S. Got 60 seconds to spare? This short video gives a lovely glimpse into a typical day in an Open Arms Nursery School.
In Malawi, only 34% of children aged between 3-5 years attend Nursery School. 1 in 3 children under 5 are stunted due to malnutrition, limiting their ability to learn and thrive. Together, we can improve these numbers.
Help provide school mealsYour donation will help children in Malawi grow up healthy with the love of a family
Donate