Zimbabwe’s Schools Feeding Programme is gaining momentum, with the Government prioritizing the initiative to ensure primary school learners receive nutritious meals. To meet the demand, 55,408 metric tonnes of maize-meal will be required by April 2025. Currently, only 13,711 metric tonnes out of the expected 27,531 tonnes for the third term have been collected by schools. To expedite distribution, the Government will provide resources for milling, packaging, and logistics to move stocks to District GMB collection points closer to schools. This effort is supplemented by GMB operating 50 Agro-shops in rural areas to stabilize prices and enhance access to affordable mealie-meal.
The Schools Feeding Programme demonstrates the Second Republic’s commitment to addressing hunger, education, and community growth, paving the way for a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s youth. By providing a hot, nutritious meal daily, the programme significantly enhances the lives of primary school learners, improving nutrition, boosting energy levels, and enhancing cognitive function, which increases concentration and academic performance. It also encourages school attendance, particularly in food-scarce areas, leading to higher enrolment rates. Furthermore, the programme fosters community empowerment through livelihood projects, such as small livestock and nutrition gardens, promoting self-reliance.
Complementing the Schools Feeding Programme is the Schools Business Units initiative, part of the Rural Development 8.0 model targeting poverty eradication. The Government aims to establish 9,600 School Business Units by 2025, ensuring students have access to fresh, nutritious produce. By growing their own fruits and vegetables, schools can provide healthy meals that boost students’ energy, concentration, and overall well-being, leading to better academic performance.
Notably, a cumulative 185,132 metric tonnes of grain have been dispatched for social welfare distribution between February and October 2024, underscoring the Government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and ensuring food security.
Preparations for 2024 World Children’s Day Celebrations in Full Swing
Preparations for the 2024 Regional World Children’s Day Celebrations are well underway, as presented to cabinet by Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable July Moyo, on 15 October 2024. The celebrations will take place at Baobab Primary School in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, from 15 to 17 November 2024. Children from seven countries—Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—will participate in various activities.
His Excellency President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa will officiate the event, joined by Heads of State from the participating nations. Children will also have the opportunity to visit the Victoria Falls.
The event is expected to attract approximately 5,000 to 10,000 children, primarily from the Matabeleland Provinces, with 450 children from other provinces. Local schools in Hwange are also anticipated to participate in the main event.
Leading up to the main event, a series of activities will be conducted nationwide, mainly in Matabeleland North Province and at Ndhlovu Secondary School, to sensitize Zimbabwean children about this historic regional occasion. Activities will include school quiz competitions on children’s rights, sports tournaments, gallery walks, and debates.
Monumental lighting will occur at the No Man’s Land post at the Zimbabwe-Zambia bridge, where children can witness the ceremony, learning about its significant pre-independence history. Traditional groups will perform during key moments of the event, ensuring a culturally enriching experience for all participants.
The government is doing a sterling job by feeding the school children. The intervention is a welcome development.