IN some of the poorest areas of Uganda, posho is often the only meal a child will receive in a day.

The porridge-like dish, which is made from maize and water, is served up at schools in a small plastic bowl and sometimes, it is the only thing which makes young pupils come to class.

Now, a Glasgow café has become the first to sign up to an inspirational feeding programme, set up by former Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year finalist Michaela Foster Marsh.

Beefcake in Anniesland is supporting Pounds for Posho, a project designed to give vulnerable children a daily meal. They are planning a launch event and tasting session on Thursday.

Owners Catriona and Justin Savage are delighted to support Michaela, whose Starchild charity supports children, vulnerable women and disability campaigns across Uganda.

Catriona explains: “'Beefcake plans to help sponsor this program by aiming to feed as many children as possible.

“A pound feeds about 25 children and each day we will put aside some of our takings for the Pounds for Posho Campaign.

“Knowing that our wee café in Glasgow can help to feed children in Africa is very humbling.”

Starchild will update the café with pictures from the project so customers can see where the money is going.

Catriona, who designed the Pounds for Posho logo, adds: “When I showed my son Louie the logo, he thought we were feeding posh people in Glasgow!

“It was good to then be able to explain to him what posho is, and how lucky we are. It teaches my children to appreciate everything they have.”

Michaela set up Starchild after the death of her brother Frankie, who had been adopted by her parents from a family in Luwero, Uganda. He died in a house fire at the age of 27.

She had visited the country to find out more about his background – but left appalled by the extreme poverty and hardship faced by many families living there.

Starchild founded a one-of-its-kind school for creative arts, which opened last year, and now supports a range of health initiatives and organisations in Uganda.

Pounds for Posho is its first feeding programme and both Michaela and the team at Beefcake hope other cafes, bars and restaurants will get on board.

Starchild has also been working with Lanarkshire school Hamilton Grammar and its five feeder primaries – Beckford, Chatelherault, Quarter, St John’s and Woodside on an exciting transition project aimed at raising awareness of the charity’s work.

As well as forging links between the secondary and primary schools, a special event will feature African drumming band Ayawara and a rare opportunity to hear Jessica Norby who runs the Mango Tree School in Uganda speak about just how much this project means to her pupils.

The Scottish pupils have also been fundraising to support a group of children in Uganda to attend secondary school.

To sign up for Pounds for Posho, visit the Starchild website at www.starchildcharity.com/