School Meals Igniting Dreams

“I want to become a doctor. I regularly go to school so that I don’t miss anything I remember how doctors took care of me after my accident. I want to serve children with disabilities and those who are suffering from different illnesses,” said Afnan Jannat Nishat, a third-grade student who attends the Chakboita Government Primary School, located in a remote area within Rajapalong of the Ukhiya sub-district of Cox’s Bazar.

Three years ago, Nishat was involved in a terrible accident and lost her left leg. However, undeterred, and with the aid of a prosthetic leg, Nishat continued to travel the long distance to her school every morning.

"At home, during my leisure time, I read storybooks to my younger brother. I read two storybooks every week. I love reading storybooks. I wish to have a library at home so I can distribute books to my neighbors and spread the joy of reading,” said Nafisa Sultana, 10, a fifth-grade student at Lombaghona Government Primary School. As her class’s book captain, Nafisa learned how to organize, collect, and distribute books, which she thoroughly enjoys.

“I check the vision of my classmates using a vision chart. I find my role as a 'Little Doctor' very meaningful, and I dream of becoming a real doctor and serving my community,” said Debasmita Das Real, 12, a 5th grader at Uttor Borghop Govt. Primary School in Cox’s Bazar.

Through the 'Little Doctors' program, supported by WFP and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Real was trained to conduct basic health check-ups such as measuring height and weight and checking the vision of her peers using a vision chart. The nutritious fortified biscuits provided by WFP and USDA also help ensure that children like Real stay healthy and motivated to pursue their education.

Ten-year-old Naima Sultana's happiness knows no bounds! Alongside her mother, she harvested 5 kg of various types of vegetables from their homestead garden - lady's finger, cucumber, bitter gourd, and spiny gourd! Her mother cooks the vegetables they grew, and their family enjoys a hearty meal.

The “Little Agriculturist” activity, that Naima is a part of, not only motivated children to set up gardens at their homes but also supported their nutritional needs and that their families.

Naima’s friend Rafia is also a “Little Agriculturist”. Rafia's mother, Mrs. Parvin Akhter, said, "My daughter saw a garden in her school and asked me to set up a garden at home. She regularly took care of it and watered the plants. Now, we have been getting a steady supply of vegetables from the garden, and we haven't had to buy any vegetables for the last three months.”

8-year-old Osman Gani from Cox’s Bazar was not particularly interested in studies. Concerned about his lack of interest, his father, Salim Ullah, a farmer, admitted him to the 3rd grade of WFP-USDA supported Ruppoti Government Private School

                                                                                                                                                                        The result? Osman began attending school more regularly and actively participating in class. His excellent results in the 3rd term assessment left everyone astonished! Brimming with new-found zeal, Osman now aspires to become a doctor.