Let us get serious about school meals

NOW that the hustle and bustle of the new school year is behind us, it is time to focus on what truly matters: Keeping our students healthy, engaged and ready to learn. And what better way to do that than through a robust school feeding programme?

It is time for the government to step up and take the lead in ensuring that every student has access to nutritious meals, because, let us face it, hungry students do not exactly make the best learners. In this, let us start with the big players-our esteemed government officials.

The moment is now! Students have settled into their classrooms, pencils are sharpened and textbooks are ready for action. But here is the thing: Without food in their bellies, none of that matters.

A well-fed student is a focused student. It is no secret that hunger affects concentration and performance, so we need a nationwide push for school feeding programmes that are sustainable, accessible and most importantly-delicious.

Government, take the wheel and lead the charge in securing the funding, resources and partnerships that will make school meals a reality for every child across Tanzania.

Now, let us talk about school committees and stakeholders-yes, we see you! You have a crucial role to play in the success of this initiative. School feeding programmes are not just the government’s responsibility.

They are a collective effort and the success of these programmes hinges on your active involvement.

From planning and organising to sourcing food and distributing meals, your efforts will make all the difference. Take ownership of these projects-this is an investment in the future of the children you serve and your leadership will directly improve their classroom experiences.

When kids are well-nourished, they are more attentive, more engaged and ultimately more successful. Let us make that happen. Finally, let us have a heart-to-heart with the parents.

We know it can feel like there is always another thing to contribute to, but think of this as a joint effort. Volunteering to provide meals for your children’s schools is not just a favour-it is an investment in your child’s education and future. After all, these are your children and we are all in this together.

It is not about burdening anyone; it is about building a stronger Tanzania, one student at a time. When every parent chips in, even if it is just a little, we all benefit.

A well-fed child is a child ready to learn and that is the goal we are all working hard to achieve. In a nutshell, a school feeding programme is not just about providing meals-it is about providing opportunities.

Opportunities for kids to focus, thrive and succeed. But this can only happen with the government’s leadership, the school committees’ commitment and the parents’ participation.

Let us come together to ensure that every child in Tanzania has access to the nourishment they need to unlock their full potential. It is time to stop talking about it and start feeding the future!