TEL International has identified a critical and urgent need among approximately 520 children living in the Wakiso slum, where chronic poverty has led to widespread malnutrition and food insecurity. Most families in this community survive on unstable daily wage labor, leaving little to no guarantee of consistent meals. As a result, many children begin their day without breakfast and depend almost entirely on a single mid-day meal provided at school. Even then, some children are unable to access this meal regularly, placing them at heightened risk for hunger-related illnesses, weakened immunity, and delayed physical development. Beyond the physical toll, persistent hunger also affects these children emotionally, contributing to anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating—factors that significantly hinder their academic performance and long-term potential.

In response to this pressing need, TEL International seeks to establish a dedicated community kitchen that will provide nutritious, daily meals to 520 underprivileged children in one of the largest slum areas in Wakiso. Each meal will be thoughtfully planned and nutritionally balanced to support healthy growth, strengthen immunity, and promote overall well-being. However, this initiative extends beyond food alone. Alongside daily meals, the program will incorporate health education, hygiene awareness, and sanitation training for both children and their parents. By equipping families with practical knowledge about nutrition, cleanliness, and disease prevention, the project addresses the root causes of poor health while promoting sustainable, long-term change.

The impact of this kitchen-centered initiative is deeply transformative. By combating malnutrition, the project will enhance children’s physical health, improve cognitive development, and build emotional resilience. With consistent access to nourishing meals, children will be better equipped to focus in school, participate actively in learning, and pursue their education with confidence—key steps toward breaking the generational cycle of poverty. Moreover, parental involvement and hygiene education will create a ripple effect throughout the community, fostering healthier households and a more informed population. Together, this initiative will nourish both bodies and minds, restore hope, and help cultivate a brighter, more sustainable future for the children of Wakiso.

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