Hunger shows. Bony limbs, hollow eyes and distended bellies tell you that the child who has come to the Uyoba library to learn English, to read books, and to play games has probably known hunger for most of their life. When I first went to Zambia in 2015 to volunteer in the Raise-a- Smile libraries, many of the kids looked like this.  Younger brothers and sisters who were still nursing were chubby and cheerful, but older kids quickly took on this look of hunger.

Then Mary’s Meals, an NGO dedicated to providing a nutritional meal to school students, set up a kitchen at each of the schools where our libraries are located. Kids tied plastic cups to their belts and eagerly stood in long lines each day for a lunch of soy-based porridge, which may have been their only meal of the day. Gone were the hungry looks.  Children laughed more, smiled more, and learned more.  Eager and carefree the students regained their child-like innocence that allowed them greater freedom to enjoy life.

When the schools and libraries closed due to COVID-19 my heart sank. Mfuwe children like school.  They sit in crowded classrooms, often on the floor, with few supplies and eagerly learn their lessons. 

But the kids of Mfuwe LOVE our libraries! They come to read, play and learn, and make art. But I believe the library also offers them a clean, safe, happy place just to “be” for a few hours each day. Our libraries are sacred spaces. These losses would be difficult for many of the children.

And then I thought of the loss of Mary’s Meals and my heart broke. That loss is devastating. Thousands of kids are fed at our three libraries.  Thousands of kids left hungry. Thousands of families left to find additional resources in a time of greater scarcity. This was unbearable.

However, there is some good news! I am happy to report that Mary’s Meals is back in business.  After a short hiatus to reorganize, they are feeding children again! Schools and libraries are still closed, the situation is still difficult for many, the future is uncertain. But the children are being fed, and for that I am grateful beyond measure.

Debby Lott, Director - An AHF board member for 2 years, Debby volunteered for 2 months at the Uyoba Library in Mfuwe, Zambia. After seeing her impact, she wanted to continue making a difference with AHF and likes to return to volunteer for several months each summer.

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