School feeding programme takes off

Debra Matabvu
Government has kick-started the National Schools Feeding Programme, with more than 5 000 tonnes of maize distributed to several districts across the country.
The initiative is being rolled out in phases, with early childhood development up to grade two pupils in drought-stricken areas being the top priorities.
Secondary schools will be co-opted later as food supplies increase.
Last week, learning institutions in Manicaland collected grain from the Provincial Education Inspectorate and the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Ministry.
Each student will receive at least one meal of, preferably, sadza and beans or vegetables, with porridge being served in the morning; resources permiting.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora told The Sunday Mail that only schools with stipulated public health infrastructure will benefit.
He said Treasury has released money for construction of adequate infrastructure for the feeding scheme.
“We have started feeding infants at schools and so far, we have 5 000 tonnes of grain for every term. Any school that satisfies our infrastructure requirements in terms of storage facilities and utensils can access the grain,” said Dr Dokora.
“We have also received money from Treasury to help schools develop these facilities. The grain can be accessed through the Ministry of Public Service at district level throughout the country after provincial education inspectors assess the respective schools.”
He continued: “We have started noticing that some children who had stopped going to school in Manicaland have started doing so because of this initiative.
We are happy that it is yielding results. A couple of companies are helping us secure loans to start agriculture projects in schools to promote food security there.
“We plan to work with secondary schools on this project. The loans will be used to drill boreholes, access tanks and rear livestock as part of income-generating initiatives earmarked for learning institutions.
The initiative is being handled alongside the Attorney General’s Office and the Finance and Economic Development Ministry and it will be finalised by the end of this school term.”
Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association secretary-general Mr John Mlilo said, “Considering that learners at this stage use more energy as they play whilst learning, it is a very welcome move.
“However, there is need for Government to be very careful when they rope in the private sector to help them with agriculture projects as this might end up commodifying education.”