Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and expanding the School Feeding Programme, describing it as a critical intervention that is improving learner attendance, enhancing academic performance and strengthening food and nutrition security among vulnerable children across the country.
The programme, which benefits thousands of learners in both rural and urban schools, has become a key pillar of the Government’s efforts to ensure that no child is deprived of education because of hunger or poverty.
By providing nutritious meals to learners, the initiative is helping create a conducive learning environment while addressing challenges associated with food insecurity.
As part of broader efforts to improve educational outcomes and social welfare, Government, working in partnership with development agencies, communities and other stakeholders, continues to support schools with food supplies, particularly in drought-prone and food-insecure areas.
The initiative has also been complemented by the establishment of nutrition gardens and agricultural projects at schools to promote sustainable food production.
Education authorities say the programme has had a positive impact on school enrolment, attendance and learner retention, especially in remote communities where poverty remains a major challenge. Learners who receive meals at school are more likely to attend classes regularly, remain focused during lessons and achieve better academic results.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative recently, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro said the School Feeding Programme remains one of the Government’s priority social protection interventions.
“The School Feeding Programme is not just about providing meals to learners. It is an investment in the future of our children and the nation. A well-fed child is more likely to attend school regularly, participate actively in class and achieve better learning outcomes,” he said.
Mr Ndoro said the programme has become increasingly important in cushioning vulnerable households against the effects of climate change, recurrent droughts and food shortages. Through the initiative, thousands of learners are guaranteed at least one hot and nutritious meal during the school day, ensuring that hunger does not interfere with their education and overall well-being.
To strengthen the sustainability of the programme, Government has intensified efforts to establish nutrition gardens, irrigation schemes and other agricultural projects at schools.
Besides providing food for learners, these initiatives are equipping pupils with practical agricultural skills while encouraging schools to become more self-sufficient.
Communities have been encouraged to actively participate in supporting school feeding initiatives through the provision of labour, agricultural inputs and other resources that help guarantee the programme’s long-term sustainability.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata, who recently presided over commemorations marking the 11th edition of the Africa Day of School Feeding in Chiredzi, said the programme aligns with the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030 through investment in human capital development.
She said the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme was delivering benefits that extend beyond the education sector by supporting livelihoods and stimulating local economic development.
“The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme improves livelihoods, creates employment for local smallholder farmers and empowers communities by generating income from selling agricultural produce to schools. This creates a win-win solution for learners, farmers and communities,” said Deputy Minister Gata.
She added that the programme demonstrates how education, nutrition and agriculture can work together to promote inclusive and sustainable development.
Government continues to work closely with communities and development partners to mobilise resources and strengthen implementation mechanisms to ensure more schools benefit from the initiative.
As Zimbabwe advances its inclusive development agenda under the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, the School Feeding Programme is expected to remain a vital tool in promoting access to education, improving nutrition and supporting the well-being of learners across the country.
With Government committed to sustaining and expanding the initiative, the programme will continue to play a crucial role in safeguarding the future of learners while contributing to the country’s broader goals of food security, poverty reduction and human capital development.
