Wafa’s Strength: A Morning That Changes Everything
In the heart of Taiz, 10-year old Wafa begins each school day with a sense of hope she once thought was out of reach. A student at Al-Najah School, she lives in a home where every resource is carefully stretched. Her father, a daily wage worker, does his best to support the family, but rising costs and conflict have made stability difficult. Before, hunger often kept Wafa home from school. Now, through the Breakfast Club Project, implemented by Human Concern International (HCI) and local partners, she starts each morning with a nutritious meal and a renewed sense of possibility.
Learning on an Empty Stomach: The Reality in Taiz
In Yemen, years of conflict have disrupted millions of children’s reliable access to food, education, and safety. In Taiz Governorate, one the hardest hit, faces severe challenges, schools struggle to keep students enrolled as hunger and poverty make attending school an immense challenge. For countless families, sending a hungry child to class is a painful choice. Teachers also face immense pressure, with limited resources, growing uncertainty and decreasing morale. In this context, each day of learning becomes a quiet act of resilience. Recognizing that learning thrives only when children are nourished, HCI supported the Breakfast Club Project – a simple yet powerfully transformative initiative, rooted in compassion, partnership, and collective responsibility.
Meals with Meaning: Empowering Children and Teachers
Guided by the Islamic principle of Rahma (mercy), HCI launched the Breakfast Club Project, to strengthen access to and retention in education through nourishment and care. In partnership with local organizations, the project now provides daily nutritious meals to students and teachers across three schools in Salah District, Taiz. Originally planned for 1,000 beneficiaries, the initiative expanded its reach to 1,182 people following an overwhelming community response. Each breakfast, two sandwiches, a serving of fruit, and milk or juice, helps restore focus, energy, and joy to the classroom. Alongside meals, the project rehabilitated washrooms, distributed hygiene and first aid kits, and led health awareness campaigns, helping schools become places of wellbeing, dignity, and belonging.
Beyond Numbers: Restoring Dignity, Focus, and Opportunity
For Wafa and her classmates, the change has been profound. “I love the meals, especially the yogurt and milk,” Wafa says, smiling. “Sometimes I take some home to share with my brothers and sisters.” Her mother adds with pride, “She’s committed, happy, and doing better in school. It even helped us at home, one less thing to worry about.”
Teachers in Al-Najah and neighbouring schools have noticed improved attendance, concentration, and classroom participation. Absenteeism has dropped sharply, and more children arrive at school on time. The program has also boosted teacher retention and morale by including educators in the meal plan, a gesture that recognizes their dedication and strengthens a shared sense of community care.
Beyond numbers, the project fosters hope, connection, and dignity, whosing how collective compassion can create lasting impact.
Education, Dignity, and Hope: A Shared Human Responsibility
The Breakfast Club is more than a feeding initiative, it’s a testament to what’s possible when faith, compassion, and strategy come together. In a world where crises too often divide, this project unites communities through a shared belief: every child deserves a fair start in life. It reflects the Muslim Humanitarian ethos that service is not about giving to the needy, but working with communities in dignity and partnership.
Human Concern International’s work in Yemen reminds us of a timeless truth: true development begins by nourishing the body, mind and spirit together.
At Al-Najah School, the day begins with a shared meal and brighter hopes – HCI’s Breakfast Club, Taiz, Yemen, 2024. [Photograph from Official HCI Partner – Yemen]. Used with consent. All rights reserved.
A fresh start to the day – Al-Najah School students enjoying their morning meal through HCI’s Breakfast Club initiative, Taiz, Yemen, 2024. [Photograph from Official HCI Partner – Yemen]. Used with consent. All rights reserved.
With care and dedication, teachers prepare breakfast so children can begin their day nourished and eager to learn. – Al Najah School, HCI’s Breakfast Club initiative, Taiz, Yemen, 2025. [Photograph from Official HCI Partner – Yemen]. Used with consent. All rights reserved.
