From Hunger to Hope | Four Years of Growth at Jameyana Primary School

As we celebrated World Food Day this month, we took a moment to reflect not only on the global challenge of hunger and malnutrition but also on the power of small, consistent actions to spark lasting change. For the past four years, HERD Trust and Jabulani, alongside our committed partners and donors, have walked a remarkable journey with Jameyana Primary School. One of growth, nourishment and hope.

A Mission That Grew Beyond Meals

What began as a mission to address early childhood malnutrition has evolved into a deeper commitment to education, well-being, and long-term opportunity. By providing Nkosi Bar meals to Grade R and Grade 1 learners, we were not just filling empty stomachs; we were helping young minds to focus, grow stronger, and thrive in the classroom and beyond.

When we nourish a child, we invest in their future.

Impact in Numbers

• January 2022 – December 2024:
 78,800 Nkosi Bar meals were provided to learners.
• This year, January – October 2025:
 An additional 21,500 Nkosi Bar meals were delivered by the HERD Team to:
 o 198 Grade R learners
 o 168 Grade 1 learners

Each child receives an Nkosi Bar three times a week: on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Our loyal partner, Freight Care Logistics, generously sponsored the transport of Nkosi Bars from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit, and we are truly grateful for their ongoing support.

Tracking Growth and Health

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Nkosi Bar programme and monitor signs of malnutrition, learners’ height, weight, head circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference were measured in February 2025.

We look forward to a second round of measurements in November 2025, conducted in partnership with the Wellspring NPO Team. These stats will give us valuable insight into the children’s health and development while on the Nkosi Bar Programme, and we are excited to see the continued positive impact.

Visible Change in the Classroom

Teachers at Jameyana Primary have reported encouraging signs and improved focus, higher energy levels, and better classroom engagement, especially among the Grade R learners who are just beginning their education journey.

These observations echo what we already know: proper nutrition is foundational to a child’s ability to learn and grow.

Beyond Nutrition: Inspiring Young Conservationists

Through the Nkosi Bar Programme, we also introduce the children to conservation education and HERD’s Stop Snaring Campaign, helping to foster a lifelong respect for wildlife and the environment. While elephants remain central to HERD’s mission, we know that protecting them starts with protecting our communities.

Educated, empowered children become the next generation of conservationists and changemakers.

How You Can Help

Many of the children at Jameyana Primary come from impoverished homes, where meals are not guaranteed. For some, the Nkosi Bar is their only meal of the day.

Due to the high cost of providing these nutritious bars year-round, the programme currently focuses on Grade R and Grade 1 learners. But our dream is to expand the programme and reach even more children at the school. Your support can help make that dream a reality.

Donate a Nkosi Bar Meal Today

You can help us feed little learners and give them a better chance at a brighter future:
• 1 Nkosi Bar Meal for 1 Child = approximately USD 0.61
• 40 Nkosi Bar Meals for 40 Children = approximately USD 24.56
• 100 Nkosi Bar Meals for 100 Children = approximately USD 61.40

Let’s continue working together to fight malnutrition; one child, one meal, and one future at a time.

Thank you to all our followers and supporters who are already helping a child in need through this programme. Without your support, this work would not have been possible.