Sharon Jiyamwa
Online Reporter
EGGS are being championed as an affordable source of nutrition to boost children’s growth and classroom performance, with their benefits taking centre stage at World Egg Day commemorations at Ardno Primary School in Harare South on Friday.
Held under the theme, “Protein that powers and protects”, the event marked the 30th anniversary of the global observance, which promotes awareness of the nutritional value of eggs and their contribution to healthy diets.
Irvine’s commercial executive, Ms Joyce Machigere, said eggs provided essential nutrients needed by growing children, helping them stay active and learn effectively.
“Protein is the building block that helps your body grow. It gives you energy to run on the playground, to kick the ball, and to dance,” she said.
Ms Machigere said eggs were also rich in vitamins and minerals that supported good health and brain development, while offering families an affordable and convenient source of nutrition.
“Eggs are also one of the most affordable and easy-to-prepare sources of quality protein we have. A family does not need a fancy kitchen or a long recipe to make a nutritious meal,” she said.
The commemorations highlighted the importance of making nutritious food accessible to schoolchildren, with learners and teachers each receiving half a dozen eggs to take home and share with their families.
Irvine’s sales executive, Mr Tawanda Chirisa, said eggs could help meet children’s nutritional needs, while providing protein to support growth and energy.
“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.
He encouraged families to incorporate eggs into their diets, noting that their versatility made them suitable for a variety of meals.
Eggs contain 13 essential nutrients, including choline, which supports brain development, vitamin B12 and iron, which contribute to growth and brain function, and iodine, which supports the nervous system.
Ardno Primary School headmaster, Mr Gideon Mambodza, said the event reinforced the link between good nutrition and effective learning, complementing the school’s Heritage-Based Curriculum and efforts to promote a healthy school feeding programme.
“In our classrooms, we see every day that a well-nourished child learns better, plays better, and dreams bigger.
“One egg a day builds strong bodies and bright minds,” he said.
Mr Mambodza said the occasion also highlighted the value of poultry projects in schools, adding that the donation offered learners not only food but also knowledge, inspiration and hope for the future.
Learners took part in the celebrations through poems and speeches on the importance of eggs and healthy eating.
World Egg Day is observed annually on the second Friday of October. Established in 1996 by the International Egg Commission, the event brings communities together to celebrate eggs and raise awareness of their nutritional benefits and versatility.
This year’s theme, “Protein that Powers and Protects”, highlights the contribution of egg protein and essential nutrients to growth, health and overall well-being.
