The programme is being conducted by the Ministry of Education together with an NGO called Tkiyet Um Ali, whose motto is ‘Food for Life’ and whose vision is “Towards a Free from Hunger Jordan in 2015.”

The programme provides each student a daily meal that includes milk, fresh fruit and vitamin and mineral enriched biscuits. According to feedback from Tkiyet, the programme is a huge success and school attendance has risen dramatically - to almost 100% - on all school days.

“Students’ attention spans and ability to focus has improved, as has their confidence and general behaviour,” says a representative from Tkiyet Um Ali. “Thanks to Hikma’s sponsorship, students and their parents no longer have to worry about not having money or a snack and they all look forward to their daily meal.”

“Hikma is delighted to be able to help students at the Osama bin Zaid School,” explains Hana Ramadan, Hikma’s Corporate Communications Director. “Not only is the eradication of hunger a priorily, but education is a cornerstone of any society and these children should have the chance to benefit fully from it.”

The sponsorship runs through the end of this year and Hikma plans to continue sponsoring the students at Osama bin Zaid, as well as increase the number of schools and students in the programme, next year.