Karagwe records 63pc in school feeding programme

KAGERA: THE school feeding programme in Karagwe district has improved from 43 per cent recorded in 2023 to 63 per cent, this year.

Karagwe District Commissioner (DC) Mr Kalanga Laizer explained that the success was due to joint efforts among stakeholders.

“School Feeding programme (SFPs) play a critical role in enhancing education and nutrition outcomes helping the country accelerate its human capital development agenda.

I am pleased to announce that the rate of school feeding programme among students in Karagwe district has improved significantly from 43 per cent recorded during 2023 to 63 per cent, this year,” he said.

Elaborating, he said that despite poverty in many homes, particularly in villages, paying great attention to child feeding is important, because it will help to have a healthy nation and people with morals.

According to research, it also promotes gender equality, helping to attract and keep girls in school, and in addition, they increase diet diversity, help to reduce anaemia especially among school girls by 20 per cent, he said.

“School Feeding programme (SFPs) gives an opportunity to provide a nutritious meal to the children and has boosted their health by reducing the number of children suffering from malnutrition.

A hungry child cannot concentrate properly on his/her studies, and to make it worse, the child can be tempted to be a thief,” he said.

According to Mr Laizer, the health and nutrition of school-age children (5 to 9 years of age, referred to as middle childhood) receives less attention than those of younger children or adolescents.

“However, this life stage is critical for learning and intellectual development as well as shaping attitudes, behaviours and practices.

An integrated package of essential health and nutrition services implemented through schools is a key investment in better futures for children and their communities,” he said.