Hunger: A Barrier to Education
Hunger is more than a daily hardship — it is a significant barrier that prevents children and adolescents from continuing their education. In the Bugesera district of Rwanda, access to food remains unstable due to a combination of environmental challenges, including drought, irregular rainfall, and low agricultural productivity. As a result, some children and adolescents attend school without receiving sufficient nutrition.
[Students who are unable to pay for school meals wait outside the classroom during lunchtime.]
While the Rwandan government operates a school feeding program, students are still required to cover part of the meal costs. For middle school students (S1–S3), the school meal fee is approximately USD 0.06 per student per meal, or about USD 14.5 per student per year. Although this amount may seem small, for families facing ongoing financial hardship, it can become a significant factor in determining whether a child is able to continue attending school.
Expanding School Feeding Support for Vulnerable Adolescents in Bugesera
In response to these challenges, HIL Rwanda launched a school feeding support program in 2021 for 80 students across 4 schools, in partnership with the local government.Since then, the program has continued to expand based on the growing needs and realities in the field. Today, 270 middle and high school students across 6 schools are receiving regular and reliable school meal support.
[List of schools supported by HIL Rwanda’s school feeding program]
– G.S Nyamata Catholic
– G.S Murama
– G.S Nyamata EPR
– G.S Kanzenze
– G.S Batima
– G.S Nkanga
[ Students at GS Batima School during lunchtime ]
[ Students at GS Nkanga School during lunchtime ]
Building a Foundation for Continued Learning
This program, school feeding support program, goes beyond simply providing meals. Its purpose is to create an environment where students can continue their education with stability and dignity. Since the launch of the school feeding support program, schools have observed several positive changes. Student attendance has become more consistent, and learners are able to spend more time focusing in class.In addition, as the burden of securing daily meals has been reduced, students are naturally participating more actively in their learning. Ultimately, these changes are helping create a more supportive environment where students can continue their education without interruption.
Improved School Attendance
Increased Concentration and classroom participation
Enhanced academic performance
Reduced dropout rates
Improved physical wellbeing and student morale
[ Students at GS Gitwe School, where HIL is implementing its education support program ]
[ Students at GS Ruzo, where HIL is implementing its education support program ]
”The school feeding program, supported by HIL, has helped improve students’ attendance and concentration in class.
-MUKARINDIRO Marie Goretti, Head Teacher of GS Nyamata Catholique-
Building Tomorrow Together
[ “The best thing about learning is that no one can take away what you have learned.” ]
HIL will continue providing support tailored to the realities on the ground so that the vulnerable students in the Bugesera region can continue their education and pursue their future with hope. This change is being made possible through the collective efforts of local communities, schools, partners, and supporters walking alongside the children. Thank you for being part of this journey.
