School Feeding Program in Rwanda Reduces Dropout Rates

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer

Wednesday, September 4, 2024. The Rwandan Government has made significant strides in improving primary education through its school feeding programs, as evidenced by a substantial decrease in dropout rates from 9.4% in 2020 to 6.4% in 2022. Compared to 2020 when 23% of students were benefiting from the school feeding program, there has been a massive increase to 92.8% of students in 2023. Similarly, the proportion of schools offering meals rose from 60.1% to 87.4% during the same period.

As Claudette Irere, Minister of State for Education, pointed out, this remarkable achievement can be attributed to the collective efforts of the government, local authorities and the community, who have come together to ensure that children attend school regularly. As they go into a new academic year, schools are being encouraged to use resources creatively to diversify meals and maintain their nutritional value. Financial support for the program has been robust, with Rwf 231 million committed so far and Rwf 58 million already utilized. "Our goal is not just to feed students but to provide them with nutritious and varied meals," Minister Irere emphasized.

A major campaign known as the "Dusangire Lunch" campaign was launched with the aim of encouraging donations to the school feeding program. Parents of primary school children are urged to contribute Rwf975 per term, totaling less than Rwf3000 for the entire school year. However, only 65% of parents currently participate in funding the school feeding program hence constituting a challenge.

Charles Mutazihana, the Principal of Kigali Parents Primary School, stressed the importance of community involvement in these initiatives. "We used to allow parents to send packed meals but now we’re encouraging all students to participate in the school’s meal program. This approach ensures consistency and quality in the meals provided," he said.

"Every meal is more than just food; it’s a critical part of a child’s education. By promoting these meals and educating parents on their benefits, we’re not just meeting nutritional needs—we’re unlocking each child's full potential. Since the program began, we’ve observed a significant increase in student engagement and participation."

To ensure a diverse and balanced diet, schools frequently change the menu and source ingredients from local markets, striving to use the best available resources to fight malnutrition. This commitment to providing nutritious meals has been a key factor in the success of the school feeding program.

In conclusion, Rwanda's innovative school feeding campaigns have been instrumental in reducing dropout rates and fostering community engagement in primary education. By engaging parents and the community, and providing diverse and balanced diets, schools are not only meeting nutritional needs but also contributing to the overall success of the education system in Rwanda.

Source: The New Times

Published: September 4, 2024

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