School Lunch Program 2010/2011 Report
January 14, 2011
With the help of Indigo Threads dedicated Laotian staff, under the direction of Mary, we have been able to provide the most successful School Lunch Program in our 6 year history. Marketing early morning for the freshest ingredients, the staff gathers by 6:00 am to begin their expert slice and dice cooking skills, starting with preparing wood burning fires to accommodate 5 huge soup pots.
The entire staff of 6 and Mary are engaged in the field serving the rewards of our nutritious tasty soup to 2,800 students and teachers per week at 5 rural impoverished primary schools and village. With the addition of a rented flat bed Kolao truck, faster travel time allows us to serve all students before noon.
Most important, student are attending school on a regular bases while primary school enrollment has increased dramatically at each of our assisted schools. We are convinced our healthy School Lunch Program encourages student attendance as an education support tool, enabling them to nourish their body and mind to learn. Indigo Threads is committed to alleviating hunger and chronic malnutrition among Southern Lao’s most vulnerable children as one of our primary goals. You can make positive changes in the students’ lives by becoming an active participant with your support to Indigo Threads School Lunch Program.
For a better understand of Indigo Threads School Lunch Program and Laos, we have posted a number of descriptive photos below.
Photo: One pot of high protein soup is prepared for each of the 5 schools with large quantities of dark green vegetables added before serving. The remainder of the soup is donated to an extremely poor village's children and elders. From 650-700 children are served daily. The School Lunch Program is prepared at our Pakse office, transported to the various rural schools and the students are served by Indigo Threads staff.
Photo: Although an indoor kitchen food prep area is available for the Lunch Program staff to work, Lao women prepare food and cook outside as they do at their own home and at festivals. All ingredients are weighted for each soup pot.
Photo: With a few problems where the students, teachers and staff must push our rented lunch transportation truck to get it started again, it has proven to be the best option for a timely delivery of the students lunch to their rural schools.
Photo: Ban Lieng Ethnic Primary School, Km. 22, has been added to this year's expanded School Lunch Program. Being the first day, students were instructed with safety concerns to carry bowls with both hands and their spoon in a pocket. This school has been particularly generous with each student donating a piece of firewood once a week for our cooking fires. Indigo Threads had projected building these students a new school but funding has not developed.
Photo: As our lunch truck travels through the village's winding rutted dirt road to reach the school, preschool children line the way with their friendly greeting, 'falong'. This day they were chasing the truck from behind while mothers were chasing them. Students attending Ban Lieng Ethnic Primary School live at this village.
Photo: At Phao Sampone Primary School, Km.36, 165 students from kindergarten to Level 5 line up for lunch while waiting for the soup to be unloaded from the truck. With the help of the teachers, we will eventually form two lines. While waiting, we present an information board announcing the soup of the day and identifying the main ingredients nutrition. Each student is required to bring their own plastic bowl and spoon from home.
Photo: Students at Oudompone Primary School, Km. 32, enjoy their favorite macaroni soup. Oudompone school has been expanded to Level 5, with two dedicated teachers teaching multi grades.
Photo: Girls at Non Phao Sampone Primary School, Km. 37, exchange jokes during lunch. It would be a rare occasion a boy would be included. Students often share their lunch with their young siblings at home.
Photo: Over 125 children wait for us at our 6th and last stop at Kayo Village, Km. 14. Toddlers and elders receive priority. Never enough to feed this poor village, we are back tomorrow. I never wonder why we do what we do. This is what Indigo Threads is all about.
Louyta Primary School, Km. 16, is the first stop of the Lunch Program and has been part of the Program since 2006 although not featured in this report. In 2006, there were 3 levels and 2 teachers. In 2010, the student population has increased to 165 with 5 teacher while one of the original teacher's became the school supervisor.
If you every want to make a true difference, support Indigo Threads School Lunch Program. . . . . . . .and there are so many other children that do not receive our help.
Sabaidee from Mary D. Meyer/Executive Director
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