Nutrition programmes in schools

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Dar es Salaam Regional Medical Officer, Dr Mohammed Mang’una, has emphasised the importance of nutrition programmes in schools for the mental and physical development of children.

He said that the programmes can significantly improve academic performance. The remarks were made recently on his behalf by Dr Ayoub Kibona, during the launch of a project dubbed “My Tree, My Garden, My Health” at Mchikichini Primary School in Ilala, Dar es Salaam Region.

“We appreciate the efforts of stakeholders by partnering with the government as it is essential that students receive at least one meal while at school,” he said, adding the fruit and vegetable garden will help them get a balanced diet while at school.

ALSO READ: PM stresses execution of nutrition upscale programme

Earlier, Dorcus Masengo from the Nutrition Heritage NGO, said the project aims to provide nutrition education to students and emphasises the importance of eating nutrient-rich foods to improve their health and learning ability.

“One of the tasks of the programme is to eliminate malnutrition, which affects the health and education of students, but it also tries to build self-reliance amongst students as they manage the garden themselves,” she said.

She said many students at Mchikichini Primary School face challenges of malnutrition, which has affected their performance in class. “Research shows that students who do not eat well suffer from fatigue, lack of focus and physical weakness, thus failing to reach their full potential in academics,” she said.

A sixth-grade student at the school, Asha Juma, said they welcome the programme because it promotes good nutrition and creates the behaviour of planting fruit and vegetable.

She said in order to be helpful to themselves and their parents, students have formed clubs that help them spread the message of the importance of good nutrition in schools and in their communities.

“We receive weekly training from a nutritionist from a government department, which includes techniques for planting and caring for fruit and vegetable trees,” said Asha.

School’s Headteacher, Vallence Hagila, thanked the Heritage for the project, adding that it will help to improve the school atmosphere.

The project is funded by a team of six students who are taking CEO Apprenticeship Programme in collaboration with the Nutrition Heritage NGO, Mkulima Smart, the Government Nutrition Department, CRDB Bank and the CEO Roundtable.

The Nutrition Heritage NGO will be responsible for running and managing the project after the initial period, ensuring that other schools also benefit from the nutrition program.