Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Government’s school feeding programme has emerged as a lifeline for thousands of learners in drought-hit areas of Matabeleland South Province, ensuring continued access to education despite the devastating effects of the El Nino-induced drought.
The initiative, which provides one hot meal per day, has not only alleviated hunger but also reversed school dropouts, improved attendance, and enhanced academic performance.
For many learners in drought-affected areas of Gwanda District, hunger has become a daily struggle, making concentration in class nearly impossible. Some were forced to skip school altogether, unable to endure long distances on empty stomachs. However, the feeding programme has restored hope, with learners now more motivated to attend school and focus on their studies.
According to the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC)’s 2024 report, there was an urgent need for food aid and nutrition support in schools due to worsening food insecurity.
Responding to this crisis, the Government introduced the feeding programme last year, providing grain while parents mobilised funds to buy relish. The results have been transformative.
Langelihle Moyo, a Form One pupil at Ntalale Primary School in Gwanda District, said hunger was a major barrier to education before the programme was introduced.
“I have to leave home at 5am and walk nearly 17 kilometres to school. Doing this on an empty stomach made learning unbearable. Sometimes, I would arrive at school too weak to concentrate.
Now, with a meal provided at school, I have the energy to learn,” she said.
Mbekezeli Sibanda, a Form Four learner at Ntalale Secondary School, highlighted how the programme benefits both those who travel long distances and those who stay close by, as it allows them to remain at school for extra studies without worrying about food.
Ntalale Secondary School Form Four pupil and Ward 11 junior councillor, Ruth Mpofu, said there is a need for the programme to be sustained year-round.
“Some learners used to collapse due to hunger. Others were forced to miss classes, which affected their academic performance. With food provided at school, we are healthier, more active, and able to fully participate in learning and even sporting activities,” she said.
Ruth said the programme benefits all learners.
“We come from different backgrounds, and for some, this is probably the only decent meal which they can access in a day,” she said.
Ntalale Secondary School Development Committee chairperson, Ms Agnes Mathe, said attendance has tremendously improved since the introduction of the feeding programme.
“Before the programme, attendance had dropped to below 70 percent, but now we are above 90 percent. The nutritional status of learners has improved, and we expect to see better academic results this year,” she said.
Parents, too, have welcomed the initiative, saying it has eased the burden on families struggling with food insecurity. Ms Vanessa Moyo, a parent with a child at Ntalale Secondary School, said convincing children to go to school on an empty stomach had become nearly impossible before the programme.
Primary and Secondary Education Ministry spokesperson, Mr Taungana Ndoro, confirmed that the ministry is continuously monitoring and evaluating the programme to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.
“Our assessments show a strong link between the provision of meals and improved school attendance, especially in rural areas. Learners receiving regular meals are more focused and engaged, leading to better academic performance. The Government remains committed to sustaining and improving this programme,” he said. — @DubeMatutu
