4 weeks to go before the end of term, when school closes for the winter break here in Lesotho and I return home to Wales. So the time has come to talk about this very important topic. I have been putting it off for a number of weeks, thinking about when was the best time to include it in my blog.

You may be thinking what could be so important. It is a subject close to my heart and that of my friend Hywel. You may love them, you may hate them. So what am I talking about?   

                       SCHOOL DINNERS

Ok, it might not be that important. They are fine some days, if you don’t like what is being cooked that day you may take in sandwiches, have Tuc, or even have a baked potato with a choice of fillings. There is a pudding after your main meal or a choice of a piece fruit. The menu changes quite regularly. You eat inside on tables and chairs, have knives, forks and spoons. The food is served to you on plates and in bowls, which you leave for others to wash up.

Things are a little different here in Lesotho.

Where can I start?

A meal is provided for every child. Everything seems the same so far. But that is about it as far as the similarities are concerned.

The meal on a Monday is the same every Monday

The meal on a Tuesday is the same every Tuesday   

The meal on a Wednesday is the same every Wednesday   

The meal on a Thursday is the same every Thursday   

The meal on a Friday is the same every Friday. 

Every week, of every month, throughout the school year is the same. What is more there is no special Christmas Dinner.

Take a look, 

Monday:        Papa and moroho (Papa is ground maize - what we call corn on the cob- moroho is usually cabbage, but sometimes it can be spinach).

Tuesday:      Pea soup and 5 slices of brown bread.

Wednesday: Papa, moroho and a boiled egg. (sorry no picture of a boiled egg. I think you know what one looks like)

Thursday:   Samp ( again is maize, this time, the outside of each corn seed is removed to leave the softer inside- the lumpy bits in the picture. One can add dried beans or peas in the cooking. Spot the beans in the picture.   

Friday:       Papa in warm milk.

The food is served outside. If it is raining the ladies who make and serve the food may either go into a classroom or under one of the outdoor shelters.

You need to bring your own plastic container to put the food in.

No knives or forks, to eat the food you have to use your fingers.

Anything else? Oh yes, you are responsible for washing our own container.

Little different, what do you think?

Perhaps you would like to give these school dinners a try.