Building Africa, Poverty Eradication programmes in Africa

 

 

Introduction

School feeding programmes have been used in many parts of the world for a number of years, with varying success. Numerous research and literature exists on the theoretical underpinnings, methodological approaches, impact and effectiveness, goals and objectives, project design, management and evaluation.

 

There is much evidence to suggest that school feeding programmes increase enrolment and attendance in school, particularly amongst girls. Food can act as a strong incentive for children to attend school on a regular basis.

 

Girls especially benefit from this, as parents may feel there are sufficient income-transfer benefits. Often, girls are not encouraged to attend school due to cultural practices, beliefs about education and they are needed to provide valuable labour and contribute to the household. In addition, it is believed that potential for catch-up growth among stunted children is limited after 2 years of age, particularly in poor environments.

 

Mathare is a poverty prone slum where a child is not entitled to getting sufficient meals. This is one of the reasons why the BUA felt it wise to introduce the Feeding Program in order to curb such situation.

The project currently provides one meal a day (though not enough), to keep these children stable since learning cannot take place on an empty stomach.

 

Management of feeding programme

 

In management there has to be officials to ensure a smooth running of school feeding programme such as the head teacher, deputy head teacher, assisting teacher, cateress, cooks, pupils, parent and community. There is need to have a networking. Therefore the cateress has to ensure that food is well cooked and served to the learners accordingly. The cooks should ensure that food is fully cooked and observe hygiene in the kitchen.

 

The parents have to pay for the support of SFP in time in order to prevent any inconveniences more so the community.  For good management of the programme it will promote the effective enrolment to the school. Since 1978 WFP and the government have supported school feeding programme. The programmes have strong government and community support and are viewed as part of a necessary package of inputs for improving education. The feeding programme is credited with helping to maintain high enrolment and attendance and encouraging community participation in education.