By Twink Jones Gadama
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In Mzimba District, the School Feeding Programme (SFP) has been making a tremendous impact on primary school learners.
Teachers and students alike have praised the programme for its role in improving attendance, enrolment, performance, and nutrition among children in the district.
During a recent capacity building and review meeting organized by Seibo Maria SFP, educators shared their experiences with the programme.
Petros Simbale, the Deputy Head Teacher of Kazomba Primary School, highlighted the positive effects of SFP on their school.
He noted a significant increase in learner enrolment, attendance, and participation in class since the programme was introduced.
Simbale attributed this improvement to the fact that SFP ensures that students are well-fed and free from hunger, allowing them to focus on their studies and achieve better results in examinations.
While acknowledging the success of SFP, Josephy Chirwa, the Head Teacher of Mzimba LEA School, also pointed out some challenges faced by schools in the district in delivering the programme effectively.
He mentioned issues such as poor road networks, a lack of volunteers for daily cooking, scarcity of firewood, and worn-out pots as obstacles that need to be addressed.
Additionally, Chirwa highlighted the issue of insufficient meals to cater to all learners in some schools, despite the programme’s overall positive impact.
Esther Mtonga, a student at St. Paul’s Primary School, shared her personal experience with the programme, stating that she has seen an improvement in her performance in class due to the ability to concentrate better when well-fed.
This sentiment was echoed by many other students who have benefited from the School Feeding Programme.
Victor Mnthulo, the Supervisor of Seibo Maria SFP, provided insight into the scale of the programme’s reach in Mzimba District.
He mentioned that the organization is currently implementing SFP in 12 schools, benefiting a total of 15,966 learners.
The programme has not only improved attendance and performance but has also effectively addressed issues of malnutrition among school children in the district.
The School Feeding Programme in Mzimba District has proven to be a vital initiative that has had a positive impact on learners’ lives.
By ensuring that students are well-nourished and able to concentrate in class, the programme has led to increased enrolment, attendance, and academic performance in schools across the district.
While there are challenges that need to be addressed, the overall success of SFP demonstrates the importance of investing in initiatives that prioritize the well-being of students and contribute to their educational success.