THE idea of state-sponsored feeding of primary school pupils, which President Goodluck Jonathan wants state governments to re-introduce, is worthy of serious pursuit, considering its potential benefits to the pupils and consequently to education. Feeding pupils in primary schools can be a great incentive to both the pupils and their parents, particularly those from indigent homes. Ultimately, the concept is a positive addition to efforts to rejuvenate educationApart from serving as a strategy to attract increased enrolment in schools as pointed out by the President, it would also lessen the burden on millions of less privileged parents who can hardly afford to give one decent meal to their wards in a day.The president's intention was disclosed by the Minister of State for Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, at the re-launch of the programme by the Kano State Government in Kano. According to the Minister, the Federal Government would support any state government that sponsors free feeding for primary school pupils in view of its potential to help in attaining education for all by 2015.The school feeding programme is not entirely new in the country. It had been in existence before it was abolished due to corruption and mismanagement. Kano State, under the present Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, was among the states that first implemented the plan as far back as 1999.The agenda is especially of benefit, given that mass poverty pervades the nation and many families are in dire want. Research has shown that hungry children are unable to concentrate in class, and they consequently perform academically less than their counterparts who eat regularly. Besides such a disadvantage, children from poor families suffer most as many of them are out of school, while those that manage to attend school bear the brunt of poverty.The quality of the meal available to many students from poor homes is another source of worry, as it often lacks basic protein, and essential vitamins and mineral needed for healthy growth and vitality. The result is that the children have stunted growth and impaired brain development that again hinder their learning process. A good school feeding programme would bridge this gap and help to raise a healthy population.Today in the country, millions of people are unemployed. And with a biting high inflation rate that is put at over 10 per cent, only some families can afford to eat balanced diet that children need. A school feeding programme would, at least, provide children with some balanced diet and foods that they may never get at home.It is worth emphasising that education is the bedrock of development, without which nations cannot rise. On their part, parents should not relent in sending their children to school, irrespective of the hard times, as that is the only way to break the vicious cycle of poverty.But education being a constitutional matter, it is incumbent on all tiers of government not to abdicate their duty in this regard. Governments should rise up to the challenge by ensuring that no child is left uneducated in this age due to poverty.Since many states had earlier embraced the school feeding programme before it was cancelled, they only need to revive the plan. In doing that, they should ensure that the shortcomings, including the rip off that trailed the first attempt are not allowed to mar the programme again.It is important, based on the previous experience, for states to plug all loopholes and guard against using the programme to corruptly enrich government officials and their contractors. Only persons of impeccable character should be appointed to manage it.Interestingly, school feeding programme is a global best practice used to support education for the poor. Most countries in the Eastern and Southern African sub-regions implement school feeding programme for pupils. In Kenya, for instance, children are given fresh milk on daily basis to supplement the quality meal given during lunch time. Similarly, developed countries, such as the United Kingdom, also feed pupils as a matter of necessity.If the programme works in these places, there is no reason why it should not work in Nigeria if state governments can muster the political will to do it. It will add much value to the development of education in the country.
Click here to read full news..
