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Ivan Zhakata recently in ZAKA
The Government’s school feeding programme has reached vulnerable communities in Zaka District and is improving the well-
being of learners.
The programme is aimed at alleviating the impact of the El Nino-induced drought.
It received a boost when the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, working with UNICEF, included it in the European
Union-funded Enhanced Resilience for Vulnerable Households in Zimbabwe (ERVHIZ) project.
The programme is targeting thousands of primary and secondary schools in both urban and rural areas to ensure that
vulnerable children receive at least one hot meal per day.
A total of 140 schools in Zaka have benefitted from the programme.
In an interview, the acting district schools inspector for Zaka, Mr Ishmael Bangamuseve hailed the Government for reaching
out to schools in marginalised communities.
“We want to appreciate Government’s efforts in initiating the schools feeding programme,” he said.
“We have got 140 secondary and primary schools in the district and the scheme has benefited us a lot through the well-being of
our children. They are coming to school without any disruptions as they are guaranteed of not starving at school. These kids
‘ attendance was sporadic due to issues of scarcity of food back home.”
Mr Bangamuseve said they are feeding every learner at the schools.
Parents of learners also hailed Government for coming up with the programme.
“Some children would refuse to go to school as they would not have eaten anything at home, so this programme is good. The
children are now going to school every day because they know that they will get something to eat there,” said Mrs Miriam
Matsvaire.
Mrs Fungai Taruva echoed the same sentiments: “We thank the Government for this initiative. Government is making sure tha
t every child is well fed.”
Online Reporter