Learners and staff at Charter College International High School joined forces with Rise Against Hunger Africa recently to pack more than 20 000 meals in three hours for children in need.

Rise Against Hunger is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to eradicating hunger, primarily focusing on nourishing children aged one to six years in disadvantaged Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres through its ECD Connect programme.

According to the school’s principal, Alison Dodge, the meals, each containing rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and a packet of 23 essential vitamins, are compact, easy to store, and have a long shelf life. They will be distributed to ECDs, helping the children in need.

“The atmosphere was absolutely incredible. The staff from Rise Against Hunger really brought the good vibes and made it enjoyable for everyone while we made a change. We packed the meals from start to finish,” Alison said, looking back on what it felt like during the packing of the food.

Reflecting on the experience and impact the school hopes this day had on the learners, she said privilege is something everyone loses sight of.

“Something as simple as bread and milk is a privilege nowadays. We often do charity work at Charter to remind our students just how lucky they are. Small acts really go a long way – even as far as feeding children for a year! It was a humbling experience.

“We will definitely be volunteering at Rise Against Hunger again, as everyone really enjoyed the experience,” Alison said.

To continue encouraging learners to give back, the school is currently running an Easter egg collection, which they will donate to Charity Begins With Me.

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