Porridge plan to benefit 600,000 pupils in arid areas

 

Over 600,000 lower-grade learners are set to benefit from a unique programme that will supply enriched porridge in 66 sub-counties in arid and semi arid regions and nine urban slums.

The programme is funded by the national government through the National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (Naconek) with support from five partners in agro-based businesses.

Chief Executive Officer of Naconek Harun Yusuf said the pilot project is part of the School Meals Programme (SMP) and will involve serving a mid-morning snack to learners in Grades One, Two and Three since this is a crucial age for the growth and development of children.

Yusuf made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Education Officer, Beatrice Ooko, at Mwangaza Primary School in Isiolo Township, Isiolo County.

He said the piloting for the ready-to-drink porridge is currently being carried out in the three counties of Isiolo, Samburu and Garissa. Yusuf said after a review of the results of the piloting programme, a possible scale up will be undertaken.

The Naconek boss added that plan is expected to improve learners’ school attendance and also promote their cognitive development, thus enhancing their performance.

Yusuf said the porridge programme for learners in lower grades was in addition to the School Meals Programme, under which all learners in primary school in the Asal areas and informal settlements in nine urban centres receive food rations as part of the government’s policy of improving enrollment and retention in schools.

He explained that the programme provides four food commodities: cereals at 150g per child per day, pulses at 40g per child per day, vegetable oil at 5g per child per day and salt at 2g per child per day.
He said porridge is the fifth commodity in the food basket and is being provided in a 250ml package per child per day.   BY PEOPLE DAILY