A nutritious breakfast can make an important difference to a child’s school day. Having access to food in the morning helps children arrive in the classroom ready to concentrate, participate and learn, yet food insecurity remains a challenge for many South African families.
A new initiative involving Emirates, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) and the Kolisi Foundation is working to address this through regular breakfast provision and educational support. The Emirates Nourishment Programme recently visited Eluxolweni Primary School in Cape Town, where more than 800 learners took part in a day focused on nutrition, education, sport and creativity.
Launched in June 2026, the programme aims to support 2,000 children every year across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Through schools and Early Childhood Development centres, it provides nutritious breakfasts, educational resources and opportunities for children to connect with positive sporting role models.
Starting the school day with a nutritious meal
The initiative recognises that access to food is closely connected to children’s ability to participate in their education. For a child who arrives at school hungry, concentrating on lessons and taking part in activities can be difficult.
At Eluxolweni Primary School, the day began with representatives from Emirates, EPCR and the Kolisi Foundation helping to prepare and serve breakfast porridge to learners.
Since the programme launched in June, more than 35,000 breakfasts have been distributed to children across its three participating cities. The aim is to make nutritious morning meals a consistent part of the school day rather than a once-off intervention.
For families and communities facing food insecurity, initiatives that provide reliable access to breakfast can help ease one of the pressures surrounding children’s education.
Books, stationery and resources for young learners
Good nutrition is one part of supporting a child’s development, but having the right resources also matters.
As part of the Cape Town visit, Emirates distributed 820 backpacks from its Aircrafted KIDS collection. Each bag contained stationery, a water bottle and age-appropriate books written by local authors.
The books were selected to encourage reading, introduce children to new ideas and give them stories they could share with their classmates.
The learners also took part in a creative workshop, making personalised bag charms using upcycled leather from Emirates aircraft. The activity introduced them to the idea of reusing materials while giving them an opportunity to make something of their own.
The role of sport and positive role models
The school visit also included a rugby clinic led by DHL Stormers players, including Siya Kolisi, founder of the Kolisi Foundation.
Through drills and small-sided games, the players introduced learners to rugby while encouraging teamwork, communication and resilience.
Kolisi said that access to nutritious food, educational resources and people who believe in children can help remove barriers that prevent them from reaching their potential.
The programme aims to bring these elements together, recognising that children’s development is influenced by more than what happens in the classroom.
Supporting children beyond a single school visit
The Emirates Nourishment Programme is intended to run until at least 2030, with the long-term goal of supporting 2,000 children annually in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Since June 2026, it has already provided more than 35,000 breakfasts. Its work combines food provision with access to books, stationery and activities that encourage children to develop new skills and interests.
For the learners at Eluxolweni Primary School, the visit brought a welcome combination of breakfast, rugby and creative activities. The bigger goal, however, is to make sure more South African children have the resources and support they need to start each school day ready to learn.
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