First Lady Rachael Ruto Calls for Investment in School Feeding Programs
First Lady Rachael Ruto has appealed to African leaders to prioritize investments in school feeding programs, emphasizing their critical role in shaping the continent’s future.
She highlighted that these initiatives not only keep children in school but also ensure they receive the education necessary for Africa’s development.
While addressing celebrations for this year’s World Children’s Day at Kaptembwa Primary School in Nakuru, Mrs. Ruto stated Kenya’s ambition to deliver 10 million meals daily in schools by 2030.
Currently, the country provides 2.5 million meals daily, with plans to expand this to 7.5 million learners in the next four years. She urged county governments to allocate more resources to achieve this target.
The First Lady stressed that school feeding programs should not be perceived as expenses but as investments in the future. She encouraged Members of Parliament to allocate additional resources to the Ministry of Health to support this initiative, which she deemed vital for national progress.
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Mrs. Ruto explained that these programs are essential for combating hunger and malnutrition in schools, outlining her commitment to supporting initiatives like establishing kitchen gardens for growing short-term crops such as vegetables and herbs and creating fruit gardens.
She encouraged schools with large landholdings to develop model farms to feed and educate both learners and the surrounding community.
She underscored the role of school feeding initiatives in improving school enrollment and retention, citing evidence from counties that have implemented such programs.
These meals, she noted, are often the only guaranteed food for some children, making them a vital equalizer that fosters dreams “one plate at a time.”
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The First Lady pointed out that these programs are pivotal for economic growth in developing nations, including Kenya. She added that the initiative supports education by reducing dropout rates and ensuring smooth transitions through lower classes.
Finally, she reiterated that well-fed children are better able to concentrate in class, particularly in marginalized areas where malnutrition remains a significant barrier to learning.
Mrs. Ruto called on African and global leaders to support school feeding programs, stating that doing so secures not just children’s futures but also the continent’s success.
First Lady Rachael Ruto Calls for Investment in School Feeding Programs
