The church at Dima in the north of Mivumoni parish doubles as a nursery school during the week, open to allcomers.
The people around here are either subsistence farmers or "jua kali" - the term literally means "hot sun" but is used for people who works wood or metal in the heat of the sun, and for others who do odd jobs. For most families, food is in scarce supply. Since October 2009, Fr Joe has instigated a feeding programme, providing children at the nursery school with a square meal each day.
The programme gives some 100 children porridge in the morning before class and lunch (typically bean-based) before they go home. Using volunteer cooks (a.k.a. parents) they achieve this for just 50/- per child per day (about 40p sterling) - but that's £40 per day to keep it going...
Youngsters in the church at Dima.
Bags of flour, beans etc arrive at Dima in the back of Joe's truck.
The delivery is unloaded.
The bags of food are moved into the school (church) for storage.
Children are given porridge before the start of classes.
The children enjoy a delicious lunch.
Grateful kids at lunch.
The parents take it in turns to cook the food for the kids.
Joe's original photos can be seen at Dima Feeding Prog
Project supported by: members of Minden Rose