Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
A SCHOOL feeding programme introduced by the Government to cushion vulnerable learners is keeping more children in class, improving retention and contributing to better academic performance, Parliament has found.
The programme, which was rolled out following the El Niño-induced drought that affected some rural households, is now being complemented by school-led projects such as fish farming and banana plantations to ensure its long-term sustainability.
The findings emerged last week when the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education conducted a visit to Mutasa district to assess the implementation and impact of the school feeding and sanitary wear programmes.
At Gatsi Primary School, the committee found that a banana plantation and fish farming project were helping supplement food supplies while generating income to support the feeding programme.
The committee also visited St Columbus Secondary School, where it assessed the provision of sanitary wear and initiatives aimed at helping girls remain in class during their menstrual cycles.
In a statement, Parliament said the committee had noted improvements in learner attendance, retention and academic performance as a result of the school feeding programme.
The school-based projects are helping supplement food supplies while generating resources to support the continued provision of meals.
The committee also assessed the availability and accessibility of sanitary wear, noting its importance in promoting menstrual health and hygiene, safeguarding the dignity of girls and reducing absenteeism.
Parliament said the committee noted the establishment of dedicated washroom facilities to support menstrual hygiene management. At St Columbus Secondary School, learners are being equipped with practical skills to make reusable sanitary wear, providing a sustainable alternative where disposable products may be difficult to access.
The visit enabled legislators to engage school authorities, Government officials, parents and learners on the effectiveness, sustainability and impact of the two programmes.
The engagements also allowed the committee to identify challenges affecting implementation and assess measures being taken by schools and other stakeholders to sustain the initiatives. Parliament said the findings would inform recommendations aimed at strengthening the programmes across the country.
The findings highlight the wider role of school-based welfare programmes in supporting learner attendance and retention, particularly in communities where household economic pressures can affect children’s access to education.
