Siaya Launches Fortified Porridge Program for ECD Pupils.
The Siaya County Government is set to implement a school feeding program across all public Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers in the region. This initiative aims to boost pupils’ concentration and improve learning outcomes.
During a consultative meeting held in Bondo with primary school headteachers and Ministry of Education officials, Trizer Okoth, the County ECD Coordinator, announced that over 670 ECD centers spread across the six sub-counties would benefit from the program.
The fortified porridge initiative is funded by the county government and is scheduled to commence next week, on January 27, following an official launch by Governor James Orengo.
Okoth highlighted that many ECD pupils in the region often attend school on empty stomachs, which adversely affects their ability to focus and undermines the quality of education. She emphasized that the fortified porridge program would provide teachers with a better environment to deliver lessons effectively.
The initiative is also expected to relieve parents of the financial burden of providing food for their children during school hours. This, in turn, will allow parents to engage in economic activities, ultimately improving family livelihoods.
Okoth noted the significance of Governor Orengo’s efforts in addressing the needs of young learners and acknowledged the positive impact the program would have on school attendance and retention rates.
Accountability and Sustainability
Okoth urged headteachers to manage the project resources responsibly. She cautioned against misuse of the fortified flour and stressed the importance of submitting monthly reports to ensure the program runs smoothly.
Additionally, she called upon both teachers and parents to embrace the initiative and take collective ownership to guarantee its sustainability.
“We thank governor Orengo for caring for the plight of our children by initiating this program.The fortified porridge will not only give teachers easy time to teach children with high concentration but also improve rotation of children in school. ” she said.
The program will kick off immediately after the official launch, with resources already distributed to the various centers. “Governor Orengo’s care for our children’s well-being is evident in this initiative,” Okoth stated, emphasizing its transformative potential. She added that high pupil concentration and improved attendance would significantly enhance learning outcomes.
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Okoth encouraged active participation from all stakeholders, including parents and teachers, to ensure the program’s long-term success. She highlighted that community ownership would play a vital role in maintaining the initiative.
In conclusion, Siaya County’s fortified porridge program represents a significant step towards addressing nutritional challenges and enhancing educational outcomes for ECD pupils. With proper implementation and collective efforts, this initiative has the potential to transform the learning environment across the region.
Siaya Launches Fortified Porridge Program for ECD Pupils.
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