Lunch at Puma Marca School

Lunch is a big event at PumaMarca school, which ever grade you are in.

(Left - for kindergarten the lunch is served in bowls at their tables)

(Right - we enjoy our meal)

It is also important to remember that many of the kids may not have had breakfast, and in some cases their last meal may have been the lunch at school the day before.

(Left - the best part of kindergarten)

(Right - we know where the spoon goes)

The school has a roster of mothers who attend tocookthe meals in thekitchen. In addition we provide a bread roll and also a piece of fresh fruit - normally bananas, which are delivered to our house each morning, for the trip up to the school. However the cooked meal, usual some form of soup with nutrition is appreciated.

(Left - for the higher classes a big tub of soup is mixed up under the care of a parent, with the kids lining up with their bowls)

(Right - the food line - a bit like the army???)

But the lunch and food do NOT come without some cost to the children - they have to wash their hands under running water with soap provided, then receive a dolop of skin conditioner (the boys hate this and ask for "pocko" - Spanish for little - as they hold out a little finger.) In this case I open their hands, and give them a big dolop, which they then have to smear on their face. If they haven't washed their hands or put on the cream, then no food handouts and they have to go and do it again.

(Left - the line waits patiently)

(Right - I'll nibble my bread roll whilst I wait

(Left - time for a chat with the person behind me)

(Right - I'm ready, roll in hand and cup at the ready)

(Left - bet you I can get the roll into my mouth)