Story by Providence Maraneli
More than 60 primary schools in Bulilima district have received a major boost in their school feeding programme after getting a consignment of rice sourced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
For a district in the semi-arid region of Matabeleland South province, the drought that was experienced last year left most parents struggling to provide a balanced diet for their children, which had a negative impact on their performance.
The script only changed when the government introduced the mandatory school feeding programme.
The efforts have received a major boost after the handover of a consignment of rice sourced by President Mnangagwa to 65 primary schools in the district.
“When we are implementing the school feeding program we make sure that all the children are fed. We are so grateful that this consignment will go a long way in helping our primary schools,” said Bulilima District schools inspector, Mr Gobile Gobile.
The local leadership is appreciative of the kind gesture.
“We are so grateful for this donation, I can tell you that it makes teaching easy as it motivates our learners and even attendance has increased since the start of the program we accept the donation,” said Provincial Education director, Mrs Beatrice Manjere.
“Children who are well fed can perform well at schools and we welcome this donation and we as traditional leaders will continue to support this programme,” said Chief Hikwa.
Handing over the consignment, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu called on schools to start income-generating projects and complement government’s feeding programme.
“I appeal to you to make sure that school children are fed each school day and involve the community so that the process becomes sustainable. I believe the school feeding program will go a long way in curbing absenteeism, and school drop-outs and reduce drug and substance abuse,” she said.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is implementing the school feeding programme to improve the nutrition and welfare of children.
Bulilima district has 65 primary schools which are all implementing the government’s school feeding programme.
The donation is part of a rice consignment that was given to legislators by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to distribute to their respective constituencies.
Each legislator received four tonnes.
