Schools told to renew health certificates

SCHOOLS here have been advised to have their health certification renewed by Government before re-introducing the supplementary feeding scheme to avert the spread of the deadly cholera.

Feeding schemes at most schools had been suspended in the wake of the cholera outbreak that erupted in Harare.

Chiredzi District schools inspector, Mrs Petronella Nyangwe said while Government valued the importance of the feeding scheme, there was need to keep cholera in check.

Addressing guests during the Sengwe Carbon Reduction Creative Arts Competitions in Malipati last week, Mrs Nyangwe re-affirmed Government’s commitment to the feeding scheme.

“We do not want students to suffer due to hunger, that is why Government introduced the school feeding programme,” she said. “Our move to stop all schools from providing food to students was a response to the cholera outbreak which started in Harare.’’

Mrs Nyangwe said it was mandatory for all schools to have health certificates before re-introducing the feeding scheme.

“For a school to resume feeding its pupils, they must acquire a Certificate of Health from the Ministry of Health (and Child Care),” she said.

“All the necessary health measures must be followed and even parents who will be cooking for their kids must be involved.”

Mrs Nyangwe said schools should devote time towards teaching their students about cholera.

“Our schools must repeatedly teach their students more about cholera,” she said.

“Students must know how to prevent cholera and know the importance of washing hands after using the toilet and avoiding shaking hands on top of maintaining high levels of hygiene.

“Every teacher must devote at least two minutes daily to teach students about cholera and typhoid. Vendors who sell food at schools should also be closely monitored to make sure they sell safe food to students so that our area remains cholera-free.’’