What does a meal at school mean for a refugee child?

Every morning, 13-year-old Tesloach begins his day with quiet determination in one of the refugee camps in Ethiopia’s Gambella region. Splashing the morning water on his face, having breakfast, brushing his teeth, are some of his daily routines before joining his friends to march the familiar path to school, a journey filled with laughter, purpose, and dreams of a better future. 

"I go to school with my friends," Tesloach says, his eyes brightening. "At break time, I love to play football and have fun. All of us love education and study very well." 

Originally from South Sudan, Tesloach fled to Ethiopia with his family in 2016, escaping conflict that tore through their homeland. Refugee camps in Gambella host nearly 400,000 South Sudanese, making up 40% of the total refugee population in Ethiopia.  World Vision Ethiopia, in collaboration with the World Food Programme, has been providing hot meals to over 50,000 South Sudanese refugee children in schools, including Tesloach. 

“Having food at school not only prevents us from feeling hungry but also boosts our morale and helps us concentrate better in class and on our studies,” Tesloach explains.  

In a camp where opportunities are scarce and hardship is constant, the promise of a hot meal, one plate of fortified porridge, becomes more than just food. It’s a reason to show up, a moment of comfort, and a source of motivation. "It allows us to fully understand the lessons from our teachers," Tesloach added. 

“For many refugee children in Gambella, the school feeding programme offers more than a basic meal. It is a reason for them to come to school, stay engaged, and dream of a better future. We have seen improvement in school attendance and hope restored,” says Nahome Melese, World Vision Ethiopia’s School Feeding Programme Coordinator in Gambella.  

Sharing his dream, Tesloach says, "My favourite subject is  Science because I want to be a doctor when I grow up. I will help my family and the community with my profession, particularly those in need.” 

Yet, Tesloach’s path is not without challenges. “We have no school uniforms or bags,” he shares. “And we don’t have electricity at home to study at night.” These are daily obstacles, but they do not dim his dreams. 

After school, Tesloach helps his mother with housework and studies with friends, embodying resilience in everyday actions. His journey from South Sudan to Ethiopia, from displacement to dreaming of becoming a doctor, illustrates the transformative power of solidarity. 

World Vision’s support goes beyond the classroom. Through the general food distribution, refugee families like Tesloach’s receive monthly food rations.  

Lilian Mumbi, World Vision Ethiopia Food and Cash Programming Director, says, “This assistance not only improves food security at home and reduces financial strain, but also helps keep children in school, where they belong, instead of sending them out to search for food or income.” 

Tesloach’s story is one of many that reflect the resilience, potential, and determination of refugee children around the world. With the right support, like access to education and nutritious meals, children like Tesloach are not only surviving hardship but building the foundation for brighter, more dignified futures. Every lesson learned, every meal served, and every dream nurtured is a step toward breaking the cycle of displacement and giving refugee children the chance to thrive. 

By Daniel Kefela, Communications Manager, World Vision Ethiopia