By M, KNA
More than 6,400 learners in Laikipia County have benefitted from a feeding programme aimed at boosting their enrolment and academic performance.
The learners who resumed their third term this week have been put under Segera Schools’ Feeding Programme, an initiative supported by International Relief for Africa and Kapu Africa, organizations geared towards alleviating hunger for school going children in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas.
Segera Schools’ Feeding Programme Director, Koome Kiragu, told KNA, Wednesday, that the learners were drawn in 17 primary schools in the County and the initiative had led to an increase in enrollment by 10 percent.
“We have been able to retain children in school who would otherwise drop-out due to hunger and we have seen a 10 percent increase in enrollment of all the 17 schools we feed,” said Koome.
Laikipia, which has recorded a score of students dropping-out of school due to unprecedented drought and hunger, the initiative targets to boost the enrollment number to 20 percent.
“If we all collaborate and support school feeding programmes, we will be able to raise enrollment numbers from 10 to about 20 percent. That’s what we are aiming at,” revealed Koome.
International Relief for Africa Founder, Dr. Allan Mugambi, said that the Organization is keen on supplementing government efforts in supporting the education system, especially in dry areas.
“We are trying to complement what the government is doing and other stakeholders by supporting the school going children’s food, aimed at helping them remain in school,” he pointed out.
Ireri Baptist Comprehensive School Head Teacher, John Kagera, and one of the Segera Schools Feeding Programme, applauded the initiative, saying it had alleviated hunger among the learners, hence, boosting the enrollment in dry areas in the County.
“We have been giving the food to learners and we can already see the results. Number of pupils has increased more so the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDEs), including performance,” said Kagera.
This Financial Year, the State allocated Sh.3 billion to support the school feeding programme in the country. The Ministry of Education had proposed Sh.7.2 billion annually.
