In many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, children are unable to access quality education due to a severe lack of infrastructure, educational resources, and funding—particularly for teacher salaries. This ongoing shortage creates a cycle where families and entire communities remain trapped in poverty, unable to build a better future. One of the greatest challenges is the inconsistency—or complete absence—of teaching staff. Without the funding to pay teachers reliably, schools struggle to retain qualified educators, leading to instability in the classroom. This lack of consistency deeply affects students, whose learning is interrupted or stalled altogether.
Alongside the educational challenges, health issues—especially hunger and malnutrition—present a serious obstacle to school attendance. In many cases, children are forced to stay home because the need for food outweighs the opportunity to learn. When basic needs like nutrition go unmet, education becomes a secondary concern, and young minds are left behind.
At TEL International, we are working to change this reality by stepping into these communities with targeted support. We help subsidize teacher wages in local community schools, ensuring that educators are paid fairly and consistently. This not only helps retain qualified teachers but also brings much-needed stability to classrooms, allowing students to benefit from consistent instruction and a structured learning environment. A stable teaching workforce plays a crucial role in helping children stay in school, build confidence, and reach their academic potential.
In addition to supporting teachers, TEL International operates a feeding program that currently provides over 1,600 children with two nutritious meals each day. For many of these children, this is the only food they receive. The meals we provide not only improve their overall health and wellbeing but also enhance their ability to focus, learn, and actively participate in school. Proper nutrition is directly linked to improved concentration and academic performance, making the feeding program a vital component of our mission.
Access to daily meals also encourages parents to send their children to school, knowing they’ll be fed and cared for. In communities where food insecurity is a daily struggle, the promise of regular meals can be the deciding factor between a child staying home or attending school.
Looking forward, we are fundraising to build a new school that includes a vegetable garden. This garden will not only help sustain the feeding program but will also serve as an educational tool, teaching students valuable agricultural skills and reinforcing the importance of sustainability and self-reliance.
By addressing both the educational and physical needs of children, TEL International is helping to remove the barriers that keep so many from reaching their full potential. Through consistent teacher support, nourishing meals, and community-driven development, we are working to equip the next generation with the tools they need to rise out of poverty and thrive.
Want to get involved? Make a donation, create a fundraiser or consider sending this article to your friends. If your friends tell their friends, who tell their friends – that’s a whole lot of friends. So join us on Facebook, Twitter, and share our latest stories, blogs and posts. Your support and sharing our story with your friends helps us achieve our mission. Answer the call today and fulfill Jesus’ mandate to be in mission.