“We have received the activity report for April 2025 from Malawi! We would be delighted if you could take a look.
1. Mzimba District
① Chabere Primary School
Two girls smiling with cups containing meals (April 1, 2025)
“As a teacher working at this remote school, I am always impressed by the enthusiasm of the students. They walk long distances to school every day, and the presence of warm porridge serves as their motivation. Seibo Maria’s school meal program is a lifeline for the students. It not only fills their stomachs but also uplifts their spirits. Thanks to this program, attendance has improved, concentration has increased, and a brighter classroom environment has emerged,” said Mr. Mkandawire, the school health nutrition officer at Chabere Primary School.
Students receiving meals happily (April 1, 2025)
“Thanks to the warm meals provided at school, distance is no longer a major barrier. Despite the long commute, Chabere students start their day early with warm meals and warm hearts.”
② Kanyerere Primary School
Eating meals with spoons (April 29, 2025)
“Every spoonful of porridge makes me feel stronger and brighter. Thank you, Seibo Maria, for ensuring we have warm meals every day. This porridge helps me grow, learn, and smile, and I look forward to it every day,” proudly shared a 4th-grade student.
Energetic children with meals (April 8, 2025)
“Each smile we see proves the power to nurture not only our bodies but also our hearts and futures.”
③ St. Paul’s Primary School
Students with meals (April 10, 2025)
“For many children attending this school, this porridge is not only their first meal of the day but sometimes their only meal. Seibo Maria’s program not only nourishes their bodies but also gives energy to their dreams, improves attendance and health, and fosters a brighter future for these children,” said Principal Nkhoma of St. Paul’s Primary School.
Each cup carries a powerful promise. No child should be in a position where they have to learn on an empty stomach.
④ Visit by Mr. Yamamoto
Mr. Yamamoto, a Japanese volunteer specializing in African studies at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, arrived in Mzimba on April 4 to experience our school meal program. From April 7 to 9, he visited 9 schools in Mzimba District with communication and meal staff.
During his visit, Mr. Yamamoto interviewed various stakeholders, including Seibo’s program managers, students, teachers, school committee members, and volunteer cooking staff. He observed the meal program and interacted with students, realizing the direct benefits of the program in terms of attendance and welfare.
Before departing for Mzuzu (Chitipa) on April 10, Mr. Yamamoto joined our weekly team meeting to reflect on his visit, followed by a heartwarming farewell session. His visit marked a significant milestone for Seibo Malawi, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation with Seibo Japan.
Mr. Yamamoto with Seibo staff (April 8, 2025)
Mr. Yamamoto with children (April 9, 2025)
⑤ Distribution of Utensils to Schools
As part of ongoing efforts to improve hygiene and efficiency in our school meal program, we distributed necessary utensils to all partner schools. Items included handwashing buckets, soap, and ‘portal cups’ specially used to serve porridge from large cooking pots to serving buckets, ensuring cleaner and safer meal provision. The distribution was warmly welcomed by school staff and the community, expressing gratitude for the support.
This initiative reinforced our commitment to food safety and reaffirmed our dedication to providing dignified, healthy meals.
Teachers receiving equipment (April 15, 2025)
⑥ Team Training in Mzimba
We conducted a series of week-long training sessions in Mzimba, including participation from our Brantyre office staff. One key session focused on training school health nutrition teachers to improve inventory management of meal supplies through accurate record-keeping.
Practical training was also provided on emergency preparedness with first aid kits and fire extinguishers. We reviewed the annual work plan for 2025, ensuring each team member understands their roles effectively contributing to Seibo’s major objectives. These sessions strengthened our team’s capabilities, coordination, and cooperation.
Training at Kazomba and Macherecheta Primary Schools
Teacher training at Macherecheta Primary School
Demonstration of inventory recording methods at Kabuku Primary School
Group photo after health nutrition teacher training (April 16, 2025)
Fire extinguisher training at Mzimba office (April 16, 2025)
First aid training at Mzimba office (April 16, 2025)
⑦ Distribution of Rocket Stoves and Pots to Schools
To provide safe, efficient, and sustainable meal preparation, Seibo Maria recently provided new rocket stoves and cooking pots to schools in Brantyre and Mzimba. Many schools faced difficulties in making daily porridge due to worn-out equipment.
The new stoves help efficiently cook porridge, ensuring every child receives warm and nutritious meals daily. Alongside each school, we are building a healthier future, one meal at a time!
Distribution scene of utensils to each primary school
2. Brantyre District
Our vibrant schools are bustling with activities! The above photos feature Mr. Herbert, the passionate school meal manager dedicated to the School Meal Committee’s leadership (Kachimera CBCC, April 9, 2025).
End of meeting with both new and old School Meal Committee members understanding their roles and responsibilities in the school meal program (Kachimera CBCC, April 9, 2025)
Training session provided School Meal Committee members with an opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and concerns regarding the meal program. Previously unaddressed issues were identified, leading to meaningful discussions.
Feedback and concerns shared during training will be used to improve the program, ensuring school meals better meet the needs of students, teachers, and the community. Passion and perseverance of school meal managers standout in close collaboration with the School Meal Committee.
Without Likunipara, the school meal program would not be possible. Delivering this nutritious porridge to schools every month is a tribute to our mission of providing meals to every hungry child every day.
※ Likunipara: Corn-based flour provided by Seibo as a school meal. It is dissolved in hot water and served as a meal.
New pots and stoves enable the School Meal Management Committee to prepare nutritious meals safely and efficiently.
Children at Busy Bees Nursery School are delighted to receive new pots and stoves. Let’s support the school meal program and contribute to the success of the next generation!
“Thank you, Seibo, for the wonderful gifts. Because of the worn-out pots…”
The photos and captions depict the impact of Seibo’s activities in Malawi during April 2025, highlighting efforts to improve education and nutrition through their school meal programs.
School Meal Support Data (April)
Total supported meals: 233,116
Northern Mzimba District: 206,196 meals
Southern Blantyre District: 26,920 meals