Rufunsa District Commissioner, Richard Mabena, has commended the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) and the World Food Programme (WFP) for complimenting government’s directive to put up irrigation schemes for the school feeding production units.
Mr Mabena says the Government appreciates the contribution of cooperating partners toward the implementation of programmes aimed at improving the welfare of learners and strengthening food security in schools.
Speaking during a visit to Chiyota Combined School in Bunda Bunda Chiefdom where ADRA with support from WFP is implementing a one hectare mechanized irrigation production unit alongside a poultry project, Mr Mabena said that Government attaches great importance to the school feeding programme and welcomes initiatives that will sustain the programme as well as ensuring learners have access to food while at school.
“Partnerships between Government and cooperating partners are very important in supporting national development programmes and improving the learning environment for pupils. The production unit and poultry project are going to supplement food supplies for the School Feeding Programme through increased agricultural production and sustainability of the programme, ”said Mr Mabena.
The District Commissioner further called on the school management and the surrounding community to protect the project from vandalism as the project was not only for the school but the entire community.
Meanwhile, Chiyota Combined School Head Teacher, James Mutami, welcomed the initiative, expressing appreciation for the support provided to the institution.
Mr Mutami said the project has come at the right time as it will supplement the School Feeding Programme that has been introduced in schools.
He said learners will have a balanced diet with the inclusion of the poultry project into the production unit, and this will make them not miss lessons.
“The School Feeding Programme has enhanced attendance in school as children know that they will have a meal and a balanced diet which will include an egg”, said Mr Mutami.
The Head teacher however, appealed to the donors and Central Government to help the school with a commercial borehole as the existing one was not enough for the one-hectare project.
Pupils also expressed gratitude for the development, which is expected not only to contribute to improved food availability but also help in their education.
Speaking on behalf of the pupils, Rollensia Samechi a Form 1 said the production unit will also enable them to practice what they learn in class.
“As learners we understand that education does not only take place inside a classroom because this production unit will enable us to acquire skills that will help us in future. We are grateful to ADRA and WFP for giving us this project,” said Samechi.
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