By Jubilee Malambo
LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The Ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) media member Amos Chanda, has disclosed that the government’s school feeding programme under President Hakainde Hichilema has significantly contributed to the rise in pupil enrolment across the country.
Speaking during an interview on Crown TV, Chanda said the initiative has become a key driver in improving access to education, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.
“What we are seeing today is a direct result of deliberate policy. When you provide meals in schools, you are not just feeding children—you are attracting them to education,” Chanda said.
He further revealed that the programme has already reached a significant portion of learners nationwide.
“The President is currently feeding about one-third of pupils across the country, and this is a strong foundation. However, we need to increase the production of food to sustain and expand this programme,” Chanda stated.
Chanda emphasized that the increase in pupil numbers must be matched with infrastructure development.
“As enrolment continues to rise, we also need to expand classrooms to accommodate the growing number of learners and ensure a conducive learning environment,” he added.
He explained that many families, especially in economically challenged areas, are now encouraged to send their children to school because they are assured of at least one decent meal per day.
According to him, this has helped reduce absenteeism and increased class attendance.
“The school feeding programme has become an incentive. Parents who previously struggled to keep their children in school are now motivated because education is also addressing basic needs like nutrition,” he said.
Chanda further noted that the policy aligns with the broader vision of the Hichilema administration to invest in human capital development.
He emphasized that education and nutrition go hand in hand, and that a well-fed child is more likely to concentrate, perform better academically, and remain in school.
“This is not just about numbers going up. It is about quality education. A child who is hungry cannot learn effectively, so this programme is improving both enrolment and performance,” he said.
He also commended the government for expanding the programme to more schools, stating that the long-term impact will be seen in improved literacy levels and a more productive future workforce.
Chanda urged stakeholders, including cooperating partners and communities, to support and sustain the initiative, describing it as a “transformational policy” that is already yielding tangible results.
“If we continue on this path, Zambia will not only have more children in school, but better-educated citizens who can contribute meaningfully to national development,” he concluded.