Feeding Dreams

BANGLADESH: Maximising children's potential relies on them having adequate nutrition.

Two girls at school desk In Panchagarh district in the northwest of the country, the United Nations World Food Programme, with assistance from the Australian Government, is making sure children eat at school.

Since beginning the feeding program in 2003, there's a marked improvement in wellbeing, application and performance of students.

No longer constantly hungry, Jahanara (R) is able to concentrate on schoolwork. Photo: World Food Programme (WFP)

Jahanara remembers times when she would arrive at school hungry and go home hungrier. It was almost impossible to concentrate - she was lethargic and uninterested in lessons. Like many others in Panchagarh district, Jahanara comes from a disadvantaged home. Her mother, the sole breadwinner, works as a cleaner but her meagre income is not enough to cover her family's basic needs. Hunger is a constant companion.

Despite her best efforts Jahanara's mother is unable to provide adequate nutrition at home. So it's a great relief to her Jahanara and her brothers and sisters receive supplementary food at school. Each day school children receive specially formulated high calorie biscuits containing vitamins and minerals vital for growing bodies.

The improved nutrition is having a profound effect on students and learning. Like her classmates, Jahanara has new motivation, more energy and happily participates in lessons. 'Now I am a little girl,' she says, 'but one day I will finish my education and become a teacher. This is my dream.'

AusAID helps fund the World Food Programme in Bangladesh.

2006