In a major stride towards combating global hunger and food insecurity, Malabar Group has officially launched its groundbreaking Hunger-Free World initiative in Zambia. The initiative was unveiled by the Honourable Douglas Syakalima, Zambia’s Minister of Education at an event held at John Laing Primary School in Lusaka. Mr. Abdul Salam K.P, Vice-Chairman of Malabar Group; HE. Gerry Muuka, Zambia Consul General for Dubai; HE Duncan Mulima, Ambassador of Zambia to KSA; Mr. Arif Saeed, Deputy High Commissioner, Indian High Commission in Zambia, other government & school officials, students & well-wishers were in attendance.
This extension is part of Malabar Group’s commitment—announced last year during an event at the Malabar International Hub in Dubai—to contribute USD 1 Million in the next 3 years towards providing nutritious mid-day meals to school students in Zambia. With the launch of the program, Malabar Group will now provide 10,000 meals daily across John Laing Primary School, Chingwele Primary School, and Mambilima Primary School in Zambia.
“Malabar Group has always been at the foref
ront of social welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting society. Through our Hunger-Free World initiative, we provide meals to thousands of underprivileged individuals in India—a feat we take immense pride in. Over the past year, our ESG wing has been working relentlessly on ground in Zambia to bring this project to fruition and I am confident that our efforts will yield a positive outcome to the students and the future of Zambia. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the President, H.E Hakainde Hichilema; Vice President, H.E Mutale Nalumango and the entire Zambian government for their staunch backing of this transformative initiative”, commented Mr. M.P Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group.
“The launch of the Hunger Free world initiative in Zambia is a remarkable initiative by Malabar Group and represents a powerful collaboration between the government, private sector and the community to improve the lives of children. Quality education is the cornerstone of a child’s development and through this school feeding program, we are not only providing nutritious meals but a conducive environment where children can grow & thrive. On behalf of Zambia, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Malabar Group for their generosity and commitment to our children’s future”, commented Mr. Douglas Syakalima, Minister of Education, Government of Zambia.
The Hunger Free World initiative was launched by the Malabar Group in 2022, envisioning a world free of hunger. Presently, the program operates numerous kitchens across India, providing around 55,00 nutritious meals daily across 81 locations in the country.
“The expansion of the Hunger-Free World initiative to Zambia is driven by our steadfast belief that access to nutritious meals and quality education forms the foundation of a brighter future for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background. Our vision for Zambia extends beyond addressing hunger. It encompasses infrastructure development, equipping students with essential digital skills, and awarding scholarships to empower the next generation. With the invaluable support of the Zambian government and our collective commitment to this noble cause, we are confident in our ability to transform lives, nurture talent, and create a lasting impact for generations to come.”, commented Mr. Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman of Malabar Group.
Malabar Group has announced that it will invest over USD 400,000 this financial year to construct kitchens, enabling the program to reach more schools across Zambia. This expansion will not only enhance the initiative’s impact but also create employment opportunities for numerous individuals, further contributing to community development.
“The Hunger-Free World Initiative is more than a project—it is a promise to communities around the world that no one should go to bed hungry. Through the ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) initiatives that Malabar Gold & Diamonds undertake globally, we have managed to establish ourselves as a key stakeholder in society and have consistently invested in its overall betterment. As we primarily source raw material for our jewellery from the African continent, we believe it is our responsibility to give back to the people of Africa, a large section of whom suffer from acute hunger. We are deeply grateful to our customers across the world whose continued trust and support make it possible for us to drive meaningful change across the world”, commented Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, MD-International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) initiatives have been the primary commitment of Malabar Group since its inception in 1993, with 5% of net profits set aside towards such initiatives in each country of operations. The key focus is in the areas of Health, Hunger Free World, Housing, Education, Women Empowerment & Environment.
Additionally, Malabar Group has also established 581 micro learning centers across India to provide basic education to impoverished children and facilitate their transition into formal schooling. So far, 25,800 children have been enrolled in these centres, where they receive one year of foundational education to help them return to or begin formal education. Children who graduate high school will receive support for higher studies on campuses across various states, with additional scholarships available to girls as part of the Group’s commitment to women’s empowerment.
The ‘Grandma Home’ is another project by Malabar Group, which provides free accommodation to needy and destitute women. Currently, homes have been set up in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with plans to establish similar facilities in Kerala, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.
The ESG goals of Malabar Group are periodically strengthened to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization.