Muchaneta Chimuka
IRVINE’S, Zimbabwe’s leading table egg and chicken producer and supplier, joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Egg Day at Ardno Primary School on Friday.
The company donated over 3 600 eggs to all the children and teaching staff of the school, with each learner and staff member getting half a dozen eggs.
This year’s celebration carried special meaning as World Egg Day marked its 30th anniversary.
World Egg Day, a global event celebrated on the second Friday of October every year, is a day set aside to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of eggs and their importance in our daily diet.
On this day, people worldwide celebrate the power of the egg and all its nutritional and environmental benefits.
This year’s World Egg Day is being celebrated under the theme, ‘Protein that Powers and Protects’.
Speaking at the event, Irvine’s commercial executive, Mrs Joyce Machigere, said the day is more than just giving food to the children.
“Today, as we handed over 10 boxes of eggs and every learner received half a dozen eggs to take home,” she said.
“We are not just giving food. We are giving health, energy, and a commitment to the well-being of our community.
“We hope these eggs will nourish the minds and bodies of our learners, powering their growth, their learning, and their bright futures.”
The programme brought the school community together for a lively celebration, with learners of Ardno Primary School taking centre stage through poems and speeches on the importance of eggs and good nutrition.
Irvine’s sales executive, Mr Tawanda Chirisa, told the learners that eggs are small packages of big power.
“The protein in eggs powers you. It helps you grow, gives you energy to play, and keeps your mind sharp in the classroom,” he said.
“Eggs also protect you, because they are packed with vitamins and minerals that keep your body strong and healthy.
“They are also one of the most affordable and easy-to-prepare sources of quality protein we have, which is why eggs belong on every table in Zimbabwe.”
He said eggs contain 13 essential nutrients, including choline, which supports brain development; vitamin B12 and iron, which support child growth and overall brain function; and iodine, which aids the healthy functioning of the nervous system, therefore making them a healthy, nutritious and affordable part of the diet at every stage of life.
Irvine’s executive director Mr Godfrey Gwainda said the donation reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to the communities it serves.
“Irvine’s has been part of Zimbabwe’s story since 1957, when Bill Irvine and his wife started with day-old chicks from their spare bedroom,” he said.
“Today, as the country’s largest supplier of table eggs, we produce over 18 million dozen eggs a year. Our purpose has stayed the same: to bring affordable, quality protein to every Zimbabwean family,” he said.
He saluted teachers and parents for nurturing learners, the media for helping spread the message, and the Irvine’s team for the passion they put into every egg.
