School feeding programme boosts learning
GOVERNMENT’S home-grown school feeding programme has been hailed as a key enabler to a sustainable education system that directly benefits learners by curbing truancy and drop-outs.
The feeding programme, which is progressing smoothly at learning institutions in Manicaland, especially in rural areas, encompasses a number of stakeholders at local level like local authorities, communities, parents, teachers and the traditional leadership.
Stakeholders in the education sector have hailed the school feeding programme for helping to curb the number of school drop-outs and absenteeism by learners in the province.
Learners from Early Child Development (ECD) up to Upper Six are guaranteed a hot meal per day at school, which apart from its nutritious benefits, also serves as an attraction for learners to religiously attend school.
Education experts told The Manica Post this week that when dropouts are curbed, vices like child marriages, child prostitution and drug and substance abuse, among other social vices, will be reduced as schoolchildren spend most of their time at schools.
This can also be a panacea to improve pass-rates at rural schools.
Zimbabwe this year commemorated Africa Day School Feeding Programme under the theme: ‘Strengthening the Role of Devolution Structures for Sustainable Investment in Home Grown School Feeding to Transform Education Systems for Inclusive Quality
Learning, Nutrition and Livelihood Outcomes and a Prosperous Zimbabwe’.
Speaking at a schools feeding programme launch at Shangwe Primary School in Makoni recently, the District Schools Inspector (DSI), Mr George Chidhakwa implored stakeholders to take the programme seriously.
“Investing in home-grown school feeding programme yields multiple dividends. It enhances access to education when children are guaranteed a nutritious meal at school. It also incentivises parents to send them to school regularly. Attendance rates improve and dropout rates decrease, and children are more engaged in learning.
“Malnutrition and hunger have severe consequences for a child’s physical and cognitive development. By providing nutritious meals, this programme addresses immediate nutritional needs, prevents stunting and enhances overall health. Well-nourished learners are more attentive, focused and better equipped to learn, leading to improved academic performance,” said Mr Chidhakwa.
“By sourcing food locally, the programme is creating demand for agricultural products, thereby supporting farmers by enhancing their income generating projects. The multiplier effect of increased agricultural production and income generation stimulates economic growth and reduces poverty in the economy.
In many communities, girls face significant barriers to education such as early marriages and household responsibilities. Providing meals at school alleviates some of the challenges faced by girls, enabling them to attend school and complete their education,” he said.
Zimbabwe Rural Teachers Union (ZRTU) president, Mr Martin Chaburumunda said in light of the El Nino-induced drought, there is need to implement the feeding programme in all schools so that learning is not disturbed.
“There is need to accelerate the programme in all schools, be they primary or secondary, to alleviate the dire situation which is being experienced as a result of the drought. It is very difficult to teach hungry learners, and some parents end up withdrawing children from schools due to lack of food at home.
“In schools where the programme is consistently being implemented there are less reports of drop-outs, and the pass-rates have drastically improved because a well fed learner is in a better position to attentively follow lessons,” he said.