Chronicle EditorMichelle Moyo, [email protected]
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has embarked on a Schools Nutrition Programme aimed at enhancing school attendance and pupils’ retention.
The intervention operationalises the Zimbabwe School Health Policy (ZSHP) 2018, which seeks to improve pupil health, nutritional status, and learning outcomes.
According to the Ministry of Health, the programme has five thematic areas, which include nutrition screening, micro-nutrient supplementation, school meals, nutrition education and physical education.
It also covers implementation of several cross-cutting health interventions relating to the welfare of learners in the school system, specifically water, sanitation, hygiene, vaccination, de-worming and the needs of learners with disabilities.
The ministry said the school nutrition programme was successfully piloted in Makoni District in Manicaland Province and has been rolled out in five other areas namely: Rushinga in Mashonaland Central, Highglen in Harare, Mudzi in Mashonaland East, Binga in Matabeleland North and Mangwe in Matabeleland South.
Government has said that preparations to roll out the programme in 12 more districts are underway pending capacity building of school health coordinators and teachers for successful implementation.
There are plans to cascade the programme to all the 62 administrative districts in line with Vision 2030 ideals and President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no-one and no place behind.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary School director of communication and advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said the nutrition programme is critical in retaining pupils in schools and addressing the nutritional needs of learners, which has implications on their overall well-being and educational outcomes.
“A well-implemented nutrition programme can contribute to improved attendance rates.
“When learners receive proper nutrition they are more likely to be healthy, which can reduce absenteeism due to illness,” he said.
“Adequate nutrition, particularly a balanced and nutritious meal can positively impact learners’ cognitive function and concentration levels.
“This, in turn can improve their ability to focus on their studies and potentially lead to better academic performance.’’
Mr Ndoro said nutrition programmes can also have social and emotional benefits and that sharing meals together can create a sense of community and belonging among learners, fostering positive relationships and emotional well-being.
He said the programme has come in handy at a time when the country is experiencing a drought, which has seen many families facing food shortages amid increasing vulnerability, especially among the less privileged.
“Drought can lead to crop failures, reduced agricultural productivity, and limited food availability, which can increase food insecurity within communities. Feeding schemes can provide a lifeline by ensuring consistent access to nutritious meals, helping to alleviate hunger and malnutrition,’’ said Mr Ndoro.
“Adequate nutrition is essential for optimal cognitive function and learning. In drought-affected areas, where families may struggle to provide sufficient meals, feeding schemes in schools can ensure that students receive regular and nutritious meals.”
He said feeding schemes should be implemented with consideration for the specific needs and challenges of the affected communities and commended collaboration between Government agencies, non-profit organisations, and local communities.–@Lo7246Lovelyn
Online Reporter