Embu MCA starts school feeding program for ECDE learners

Embu, Tuesday, May 23, 2023 

KNA by Samuel Waititu

A Ward Rep in Embu has initiated a school feeding programme targeting Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners to enhance retention levels in school and boost their concentration to improve performance.

The first of its kind initiative in Kagaari South Ward devised by area MCA Susan Nyaga will see a total of 620 ECDE learners in all the 15 centers in the area provided with porridge for breakfast daily.

Speaking while launching the programmeon Monday at Ugweri Primary School where a total of 6, 095 kilos of fortified porridge flour and sugar were distributed to the schools in an event graced by Governor Cecily Mbarire, the MCA said the allocation would last the beneficiaries for two terms.

She said the initiative would go a long way in giving the young ones, majority of who are from vulnerable families, a lifeline.

“This is a programme I have been passionate about since 2014 when I was not in leadership and I felt I should implement it now that I have the platform to do so,” she said.

She said incentivizing school age children would not only reduce absenteeism but also boost enrollment.

The development comes at a time when many families are experiencing major setbacks as a result of rising cost of living that has decreased the purchasing power of many households.

The Ward Rep said she would also look into ways of introducing meals to eliminate hunger in the classrooms, noting that many children go to school on an empty stomach owing to poverty.

Governor Mbarire promised to look into the welfare of ECDE teachers through promotion and employing more to reduce the student-teacher ratio.

She also announced that her administration would in the coming financial year set aside Sh100 million for education bursary to enable learners from not well to do families continue with their education smoothly.

Courtesy; K.N.A