SOUP LOOP MEALS LINE IN KAKUMA REFUGEE CAMP
By Ebengo Honore A.
In the heart of Kakuma Refugee camp, where daily life is shaped by resilience and hope, a simple bowl of soup is making a profound difference. The soup loop meals project, initiated and financially supported by Let’s Make THE Difference and implemented by Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development, is transforming the educational experience for hundreds of students.
A vision born from Necessity
For many children in Kakuma, the journey to school is not just a quest for knowledge, but a daily struggle against hunger. This initiative was born in direct response to ongoing food cuts and rising food insecurity affecting both school-aged children and families.
Recognizing this barrier, Let’s Make THE Difference partnered with Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development to launch Soup Loop Meals, a project designed to ensure that no child has to choose between learning and hunger. The Soup Loop Meals Line provides nutritious, hot meals to students during the school day, ensuring that hunger does not become a barrier to learning.
Soup Loop Meals Line: a story of struggle and pain, full of tears and hope
Since the introduction of Food ration cuts in Kakuma refugee and Kalobeyei settlement camps, many families have struggled to provide enough food for their children. Behind and ahead of it, many public demonstrations, loss of lives, insecurity in the camps, physical attacks, etc., in this situation, the Soup Loop Meals program not only addresses immediate hunger but also alleviates families' food responsibilities, supports school attendance, concentration, and overall well-being.
It is also important to note that Soup Loop Meals is more than just a feeding program. It’s a holistic initiative that brings together community members, parents, teachers, and youth leaders. By involving local suppliers and cooks, the project supports small businesses, fostering a sense of ownership
IMMEDIATE IMPACT: ATTENDANCE, FOCUS, PRODUCTIVITY
One week after its launch, Soup Loop Meals Line has registered a visible impact on student attendance and personal engagement during the learning period. Consult for feedback, teachers report that learners are more committed, punctual, attentive, and energetic in class. Daniel, one of the trainers, said: I can say: among supportive methods of learning, food must be taken as one of them during the learning period. But my fear is: for how long are we going to support them? The organization should raise enough funds to maintain this system.
No child will be left behind.
Let’s Make THE Difference, and AIYD2 have also decided to use the project as a platform for broader Advocacy, raising awareness about the importance of food in education and encouraging other organizations to invest in similar initiatives. The success of this project has inspired conversations about scaling up, with the hope of reaching even more students in Kakuma refugee camps. Currently, the project is feeding students from three learning centers, such as Kakuma Vocational Centre, Voices for Disabled People Association, and Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development. Initiated to reach 30 students, the project is currently feeding 180 students every week.
Looking ahead
The project is exploring partnership opportunities, seeking additional funding. The vision is clear: A future where every kid in Kakuma can access education without the burden of hunger. The outcomes from this initiative are promising: student punctuality, classroom engagement, and retention rates.
Despite these achievements, the level of need remains immense, which requires ongoing financial support. Therefore, we invite donors, foundations, and global great consciences to jump in and support the initiative.
Your support will enable both Let's Make THE Difference and AIYD to reach more students, enhance program quality, and build a foundation for lasting change in Kakuma and beyond.
Click here to donate: PayPal.me/lmtd2020