Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) is excited to announce a significant expansion of its crucial feeding program at the Sheger Prison Seventh-day Adventist Nursery/Preschool on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Thanks to generous donations from supporters both in Ethiopia and abroad, the school has successfully transitioned from providing simple baked bread to offering a full, nutritious lunch twice a week for its 20 young students.
This initiative marks a new chapter in LPM’s mission to support the children of incarcerated mothers, addressing the critical need for proper nutrition that is essential for healthy physical and cognitive development.
From Bread to Balanced Meals: A Step Forward in Childcare
The school’s original feeding program, which involved baking multi-grain bread on a small grill purchased through donations, laid a vital foundation. The new phase builds directly upon this success. With the recent influx of donations, LPM has acquired dedicated child-friendly plates and cups and has now implemented a plan to provide a complete lunch service.
“We started by ensuring the children had fresh, wholesome bread,” explained Lizibie Fentaw, who oversees the school. “Now, with the incredible support of our donors, we can offer them a nutritious lunch twice a week. This food is vital—it helps them grow, focus, and thrive in the classroom.”
The cost to sustain this enhanced program is $139 per month. This investment directly translates into regular, balanced meals for the 20 children, aged 2 to 6, who attend the preschool.
Joy and Gratitude Inside the Prison Walls
The expansion has been met with profound gratitude from the children’s mothers, who face the immense challenge of raising their young ones within the prison environment. The mothers are overjoyed and deeply thankful. Their relief stems from two key areas: first, their children are receiving an early childhood education in a safe, stimulating environment—a rare opportunity. Second, they now have the assurance that their children are receiving consistent, nutritious meals through the school’s lunch program.
LPM also extends its sincere appreciation to the Sheger Prison administration for their ongoing cooperation and for allowing this transformative work to continue within the facility.
Effective Leadership and a Vision for the Future
Since Lizibie Fentaw assumed responsibility for overseeing the preschool in addition to her role leading LPM’s circulation efforts, the program has seen marked positive changes. Her dedication has been instrumental in effectively utilizing donations to improve the children’s daily lives and educational experience.
The ministry expresses its immense gratitude to all the donors whose generosity made this progress possible. LPM greatly appreciates its donors and humbly asks for more support. With additional contributions, the ministry can increase the days it is feeding these precious children, moving from twice a week toward a more regular schedule. Every donation directly nourishes a child in need.
About Living Parchment Ministry and the Sheger Prison Preschool
The Sheger Prison Seventh-day Adventist Nursery/Preschool, operated by LPM, provides a safe haven and early education for children living with their mothers at Sheger Prison. Some of these children were born in prison or have no alternative care. The program focuses on holistic development—offering education, spiritual support, and, critically, nutrition to a vulnerable population often overlooked.
Your support can help provide more lunches each week. To help LPM expand this vital program and reach the goal of feeding the children three days a week, please visit the donation page at https://livingparchment.org/donate/.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” — Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)
