In Burkina Faso, students in rural areas often live far from schools and most of them get there on foot.
The possible return for the lunch break is therefore unthinkable, and the children of the poorest families therefore eat only a frugal meal in the morning, and will only eat in the evening when they return home. They will therefore have to endure a full day without recharging their batteries, when they must make significant efforts to acquire knowledge.
Vulnerability
Teachers have great difficulty in delivering afternoon lessons because students are less attentive.
Their general condition weakens them because of insufficient meals, and exposes them to fall ill more often. They thus miss many courses.
The canteen improves results, and health
Having a school canteen therefore allows students to learn better. We observe a systematic improvement in school results, and a greater percentage of progression to the next class. Morija supports the Associations of Parents of Students in setting up school canteens. Parents are involved both in the management of canteens and in their supply. In some schools, the 2 canteens are mothers of pupils who have been trained in the rules of personal hygiene and food.
