Primary schools are key in providing the foundational basis of learning for all children since it’s at the primary level that children are equipped with reading, writing and communication skills.
However, retention rates at this level of learning are low because of a number of challenges and among these is children having to learn on an empty stomach; technically termed as the lack of a “school feeding programme.”
The World Bank defines school feeding programs as a targeted social safety net that provides educational and health benefits to vulnerable children, aiming to increase enrolment rates, decrease absenteeism, and improve nutrition at the household level.
Therefore, with the need to ensure that the above is met, SAO Uganda with support from Transform Aid International is skilling headteachers and various School Management Committees in Kaberamaido about the importance of school feeding and how this can be rolled out gradually into the different schools in Kaberamaido.
To achieve this, for the next three years, SAO Uganda will be supporting partner schools in establishing school gardens.
Fortunately, some schools have adopted the programme and have started providing children in lower classes with porridge during break time. Some schools have also opened up some land and have planted maize, beans and soya beans to facilitate the new programme.
Additionally, some schools have started engaging parents through meetings on how they can support schools in meeting the requirements of the school feeding programme.
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