Zimbabwe Expands School Feeding Programme to Secondary Schools to Boost Nutrition and Attendance

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

Reporter

Government is poised to extend its school feeding programme to secondary schools, a significant move aimed at bolstering educational outcomes and addressing food insecurity among students. This initiative will be supported by development partners, who are stepping in to ensure that schools, particularly those in remote rural areas, have the resources they need to implement effective feeding solutions.

In an interview, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro emphasised the importance of home-grown solutions, noting that the community's active participation following a bumper harvest has been instrumental in this effort. “The programme is going on well. We are encouraging schools to implement home-grown feeding programmes to reduce dependency on the Government,” he stated, highlighting the collaborative approach that combines both government support and community involvement.

The impact of the school feeding programme has been profound. It has not only boosted student attendance but also significantly improved nutrition among pupils.

This initiative aligns with the Government's broader strategy to strengthen the education sector and combat food insecurity, particularly in light of recent challenges such as droughts exacerbated by climate change. Mr Ndoro pointed out that assessments conducted by the ministry have revealed a clear link between the provision of meals and improved school attendance, especially in rural areas. “Learners who receive regular meals are more focused, engaged, and perform better academically,” he explained.

Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads secretary general Mr Munyaradzi Majoni explained the critical importance of the school feeding scheme. “The school feeding programme is going a long way in alleviating hunger in schools,” he remarked, urging the Government to expand this initiative to all public schools. He highlighted that even in higher-performing, affluent schools, there are vulnerable children who require support.

“We appeal to the Government that the programme should be introduced to all public schools. In Group A schools, we can see that there are other children who are vulnerable. They need food as well,” he added, underscoring the need for inclusivity in educational support.

The feeding programme has been particularly crucial for learners affected by the El Niño-induced drought, which has heightened food insecurity across many regions. By providing at least one hot meal daily, the programme not only alleviates hunger but also enhances educational outcomes. Under this initiative, Government supplies grain, while parents are encouraged to mobilise funds to purchase relish, ensuring that children receive nutritious meals that contribute to their overall well-being. Mr Ndoro noted that schools participating in the programme have recorded increased attendance rates, as students prioritise attending school to receive meals. This initiative has fostered stronger community involvement, with parents playing an active role in their children’s nutrition and education. “The Ministry remains committed to expanding this initiative to ensure that no child goes hungry while pursuing their education. We are continuously monitoring and evaluating the programme to make necessary adjustments and enhance its effectiveness,” he asserted.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri expressed the ministry’s readiness to provide grain to schools, emphasising that village business units can also play a critical role in sustaining families. “As a ministry, we are ready to provide grain once requested by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Business units, if managed well, can also play a critical part in supporting children. They can grow vegetables for relish and even grain they can acquire from those business units,” he stated. Government's commitment to expanding the school feeding programme reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing food insecurity and enhancing educational outcomes across Zimbabwe.