Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

John 6:8-11

When the crowd groaned with hunger and threatened to faint after following Jesus for three days, a small boy offered his lunch to meet the overwhelming need. Jesus took his sacrificial offering, blessed it, and multiplied it. Just like this boy, Pioneer Foods, a key partner in our mission, has the power to make a difference. With the help of Jesus, Pioneer Foods can help ensure that many children in the informal settlements of Worcester, South Africa, will start their days with a nutritious breakfast.

Here are some staggering statistics about child hunger in South Africa.

33% of children under six live below the food poverty line.

90% of children in the poorest schools lack school readiness in Grade One.

Since 1997, Pioneer Foods has been feeding South Africa. Despite being located in a productive agricultural region, Worcester faces significant food insecurity and hunger, especially among vulnerable populations. The issue is marked by a paradox: food abundance alongside widespread malnutrition, driven by factors such as poverty, unemployment, and unequal access to nutritious food.

The Paradox of Hunger in Worcester:

• Worcester, a part of the food-producing Breede Valley, is a major contributor to the region’s agricultural output, including fruit, wine, and poultry. However, this local abundance does not translate to universal access to healthy, affordable food, as studies have shown.
• Reports have highlighted high rates of child malnutrition. A 2021 study found that 26% of children under five in Worcester suffered from stunting, a condition caused by poor nutrition.

Who Are We?

A registered not-for-profit organization in both the USA and South Africa, Teachers of the Nation’s mission is to address the issues facing vulnerable youth, but especially young women. These young women find themselves uneducated and unemployable and would likely begin the cycle of poverty if not for the interventions of the ministry. The organization is an outgrowth of Youth with A Mission, Worcester, and remains under its covering.

At present, Teachers of the Nations focuses its services on the two communities of Avian Park and Riverview. These communities are among the most impoverished in Worcester, and your support can have a direct impact on the lives of the children living there.

As our afternoon program numbers at Avian Park and Riverview have grown to over 200 pupils, we have noticed a shortage of food. The children love the weekly snacks, nutritional porridge, and food hampers we can give a few times a year. However, we recognize that we must increase our giving. Your product contribution could ensure that every child in our program receives daily nutritious meals, helping them to concentrate in class and reach their full potential.

Why Nutrition?

School nutrition supports a child’s learning and helps them reach their full potential as adults. Yet fewer than 50% of children who start Grade 1 in South Africa complete Grade 12. Poor education contributes to the high unemployment rate of 40% to 70% among individuals who have not completed high school. Hunger, poverty, and lack of access to adequate education mean that millions of caregivers are unable to provide for their children’s healthy development and education.

What Are The Effects?

Around 12 million children in South Africa live below the poverty line, and 4.4 million households do not have frequent, reliable access to food. The situation is dire, and we need your help. A meal served at school would incentivize impoverished caregivers to send their children to school, but this necessity is not guaranteed. Instead, students rely on chips and soda sold during recess or hope to share a classmate’s meal. Regular meals enable students to develop, grow, and learn in the educational setting without embarrassment or mental and physical fatigue.

What Are the Benefits?

When children stay in school, their ability to generate future income and build a sustainable livelihood increases. They stay connected, cared for, and involved through interactions with teachers, fellow students, and ministry workers.

How Can You Help?

We aim to provide children with a nutritious, filling, protein-rich breakfast to help them achieve academic success. If you could provide ProNutro Porridge and soya mince, it would go a long way to meeting our efforts to help Worcester’s children. These items are particularly beneficial due to their nutritional value and affordability. Tinned fruit, honey, soup, maize meal, and peanut butter are also premium desired items.

Thank you for your kind consideration. Your contributions are invaluable and greatly appreciated. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Please consider making a donation or reaching out to discuss how you can support our cause. You can reach me at melladavis@icloud.com or +072 841 2806.

In Him,

Mella J. Davis, Ph.D.

Founding Director,

Teachers of the Nations