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Ivan Zhakata recently in ZAKA
The schools feeding programme run by Government has brought relief in vulnerable communities by improving the well-being of learners in Zaka district, Masvingo province.
The programme is aimed at alleviating the devastating impact of the El Nino-induced drought, targeting thousands of primary and secondary schools in both urban and rural areas to ensure that vulnerable children receive the support they need, that is to say at least one hot meal a day.
In Zaka, the school feeding programme has benefited 140 schools both primary and secondary within the district.
In an interview, acting district schools’ inspector for Zaka district Mr Ishmael Bangamuseve hailed the Government for reaching out to schools in marginalised communities.
Learners at Vhudzi Primary School receiving food from the Government’s implementation schools feeding programmes.
“We want to appreciate the efforts by the Government in terms of initiating the schools feeding programme,” he said.
“We have got 140— both secondary and primary schools within the district and we are saying the scheme has seen us benefiting a lot through improving the well-being of our kids in terms of their health status. We are also looking at the change in attendance.
“These kids have had sporadic attendance of school. Hence, there was an improvement when the feeding programme began.”
Mr Bangamuseve said they were feeding every learner at the school and the programme had also improved learners’ attendance and punctuality.
Learners at Vhudzi Primary School eat food from the Government’s implementation schools feeding programmes.
Parents of learners have also hailed the Government for coming up with the programme, saying it has motivated their children to go to school.
“Some children would refuse to go to school because they would not have eaten anything at home so this programme is good. Sometimes, we do not have food to give the children. The children are now going to school every day because they know that they will be given food there,” said Mrs Miriam Matsvaire.
The school feeding programme is providing critical support to vulnerable learners across the country, shielding them from malnutrition and the devastating impact of the El Nino-induced drought.
The programme recently received a boost from both Government and development partners following a huge cash injection.
Online Reporter