With Its National School Feeding Initiative, MML Is Helping To Promote School Attendance, Classroom Participation & Improved Learning Environment
By Alfred Kollie
School Feeding n Investment in Human Capital
TUBMANBURG, Liberia— Mary’s Meals Liberia on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 celebrated its 20th anniversary at a colorful ceremony here in this western city in Bomi County, with the Liberian government commending the work of this institution’s school feeding program describing it as an investment in human capital.
Starting with a colorful parade through the principal streets of Tubmanburg to the Forestry Training Institute, the celebration brought together students, partners, supporters, community members, volunteers, and other stakeholders to commemorate two decades of service and commitment to providing nutritious school meals to children in need.
Over the past 20 years, Mary’s Meals has contributed to education and student welfare in Liberia, with its school feeding initiative helping to promote school attendance, classroom participation, and improved learning environments, particularly in underserved communities.
Giving an overview of the organization’s work, Mary’s Meals International Director of Partnership, Alex Keay, described Mary’s Meals as a world-leading charitable movement that provides meals to more than three million children every school day in 16 countries.
According to Keay, Mary’s Meals began its school feeding program in Liberia in 2006, although the organization had been supporting communities in the country since the 1990s.
He said Mary’s Meals Liberia currently provides nutritious school meals to more than 95,000 children in over 600 places of education, with meals prepared and served by local volunteers.
Government says MML School Feeding an Investment in Human Capital
Serving as guest speaker at the anniversary celebration, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Education, Nyekpeh Y. Forkpah, said school feeding serves as an important foundation for encouraging learning and active classroom participation.
Deputy Minister Forkpah said school feeding also plays a critical role in promoting social development, peace, and national development, emphasizing that investing in school feeding is an investment in Liberia’s human capital.
According to him, Mary’s Meals’ school feeding program is giving school-going children hope, inspiration, and the opportunity to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
He expressed gratitude to Mary’s Meals for its partnership with Liberia and for the impact of its programs on school-going children across the country.
The Deputy Liberian Education Minister, however, stressed the importance of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, describing both as critical to the success and sustainability of school feeding programs in Liberia.
Forkpah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting school feeding initiatives across Liberia, saying the government would support efforts aimed at improving the welfare and educational opportunities of children.
He also challenged students to play their part by studying hard and working toward successful academic outcomes for a better Liberia.
“The Work Is Not Yet Completed”
In remarks, Mary’s Meals Liberia Country Director, Madam Paula Nawrocki, said the organization’s 20-year milestone was achieved through the collective efforts of partners, schools, communities, volunteers, and students.
Madam Nawrocki thanked volunteers for their continued support and commitment to the school feeding program over the years.
She stressed, however, that the work is not yet completed, calling for greater efforts as Mary’s Meals continues to expand and strengthen its school feeding programs across Liberia.
Nawrocki explained that the decision to establish school feeding programs in Liberia came at a time when the country was emerging from two devastating civil wars.
The Country Director said as Mary’s Meals Liberia marks 20 years of school feeding in the country, the organization remains convinced that providing nutritious meals in places of learning has the power to encourage children, transform communities, and contribute to a brighter future.
“Together, we can continue to support community-led generational change in Liberia,” Nawrocki added.
Volunteers and Schools Honored
As part of the anniversary celebration, Mary’s Meals Liberia honored several individuals and schools for their long-standing service, dedication, and commitment to the school feeding program.
A number of individuals recognized for their long service and outstanding contributions. They included Hawa Varney of Sackie Town Public School, Bomi; Jessica David of Gbah Public School, Bomi; Janet Kollie of St. Mark Lutheran School, Bong; Alice Togbah of Free Pentecostal Mission Foundation, Bong; Mary Moore of Gbarma Central Elementary, Gbarpolu; Agnes S. Ben of Sinje Central Mission School, Grand Cape Mount; Dorris Togobah of Assembly of God Mission, Grand Cape Mount; Babie Youne of VOA 1 Academy, Montserrado; and Sekou Essau of Billy Town Public School, Montserrado.
Several schools were also recognized for their partnership and commitment to the program.
They included Omega Orphanage, Bola Public School, Jerome F. Clark Public School, Musu Valentine Mission School, Sinje Central Mission School, Assembly of God Mission School, Kpallah Public School, and Jarflow Preparatory School.
Honourees motivated
Speaking on behalf of the honored individuals and schools, Pastor Fayiah Bemah and Jessica David thanked Mary’s Meals Liberia for the recognition.
They said the honor would serve as motivation for them to continue their service and contribution to humanity, particularly through efforts aimed at improving the lives and educational opportunities of children across Liberia.
The 20th anniversary celebration ended with renewed calls for stronger partnerships among government, communities, schools, volunteers, and development partners to sustain school feeding initiatives and improve educational outcomes for children in Liberia.
BACKGROUND:
The global average cost of providing Mary’s Meals to one child for a whole school year is just €22 / $25.20 / £19.15, equivalent to an average cost of only €0.11 / $0.13 / £0.10 per meal.
This is possible because local communities own and run Mary’s Meals programmes in the countries where the organisation operates. Across its programme countries, tens of thousands of volunteer cooks prepare and serve meals to children from their own communities. Wherever possible, meals are prepared using locally procured food, supporting local farmers and strengthening local economies. Ref: SOFI Report 2026: Mary´s Meals “Low-Cost” Model As A Solution To High Cost Of Healthy Diets