For her, attending school, a fundamental right of every child, is far from easy. Issombo Primary School and the surrounding community face challenges typical of rural areas in central Angola: limited access to resources, poor mobility, and persistent economic hardship. For many children, including Laurinda, the decision to attend school is determined by the immediate need to contribute to household survival. Dropping out is rarely a choice; it is often the result of compounded vulnerability, where basic needs dictate children’s futures.

With the assurance of a daily school meal, Laurinda has made school attendance a priority, finding in the classroom a space of stability and support amid a challenging reality. Yet, she also identified an opportunity: transforming her presence at school into a modest source of income for her family. Alongside her books and notebooks, Laurinda now carries a small bag of homemade bread, lovingly prepared each morning by her grandmother. Before classes begin, she sells the bread to her classmates, helping to bring home much-needed income.

“I acknowledge that this can be a sacrifice,” her grandmother reflects, “but I believe this experience is also contributing to her personal development, preparing her to face future challenges and to see small-scale commerce as a viable pathway towards self-reliance.”

Through this process, Laurinda has begun grasping basic concepts of entrepreneurship: understanding profit, calculating change, and managing her stock according to demand. Each day, she refines these skills, gradually expanding her horizons and nurturing dreams of a future in which she can thrive.

Laurinda’s journey as a student and a young entrepreneur shifted when an unexpected customer purchased her bread . During a visit to her school, the ForAfrika team tasted the bread she had baked and sold. Touched by her dedication, they acknowledged her creativity, effort and determination.

In a context marred by limited opportunities and multiple challenges, this recognition reinforced her belief in herself and in the possibilities that learning and perseverance can create.

For Laurinda, that moment went far beyond a simple transaction. It was an affirmation that her work had value. The impact of this experience has been tangible. During a subsequent visit, Laurinda shared that selling bread had strengthened her confidence, sense of responsibility and self-esteem. For her grandmother, it renewed the motivation to continue producing, knowing that her efforts are directly contributing to her granddaughter’s future. For the wider community, Laurinda’s story illustrates how education, resilience and opportunity can intersect, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Laurinda’s journey reinforces the need to protect and uphold the right to education, safety and childhood. What she needs most is the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, supported by access to education, nutrition and protection. By strengthening family livelihoods and investing in quality education, initiatives such as ForAfrika’s school feeding programme help ensure that children like Laurinda are not compelled to shoulder adult responsibilities, but are supported to focus on their studies and develop the skills that will shape futures grounded in dignity, choice and opportunity.