Numbers on a piece of paper

At the end of the year, we collect data on our programmes to identify what we have done, how much money we have received, and how many people we assisted. This overview is not only important for us, but also for the donors who like to see the results of their contributions. However because numbers on a piece of paper never tell the whole story, we always include a ‘real’ story on the impact of the food. And hearing such a ‘real’ story first hand is an amazing experience.

Last week, I visited the St. Lawrence School in Lusaka. This school was build by the church to help the children and families in the neighboring compound. At present, there are 1.100 children enrolled in the school. I was impressed by how well organized this school is. The school incorporates a shelter for street kids and is able to raise some money on their own. For example, they have a bakery, manage a parking lot and make concrete bricks. With the money from the income generating activities the schools pays, among others, the salary of the cook for the school meals.

I interviewed a father of 7 children of which 3 go to the St. Lawrence School. He told me about the struggle he and his wife have every day trying to provide two meals for all the children. If there is not enough food, everyone just gets one meals. He told me that his life is less troubled now, because he does not have to worry about a meal for the 3 school-going children and he has more food to give to his other children. One of his sons was also there. A very skinny boy, 13 years old, who just passed from grade 6 till grade 7. He likes the food he gets at school and he likes having more energy and a better concentration when there is food at the school. When he grows up, he wants to become a doctor. I looked at the troubles face of his father. Basic education is free in Zambia, but after that the parents have to pay school fees. As many parents are not able to pay the fees, the children drop out of school and start working. I looked at the boy and I wondered if his future will be different. Then his dad spoke and asked me with a humbled voice, if we would also provide grants for poor children so that they can continue their study. I wanted to help this boy and I wished I could say Yes, but then I remembered the other numbers on the page. And all those other numbers, representing children that need our help combined with a limited budget limit our possibilities to help. So we will just continue; helping as many people as possible, so that none of the numbers on the page gets left behind.