Leribe, Jan. 26 — Nutrition was highlighted as an important aspect in education development at the Back to School commemoration hosted by the Ministry of Education and Training at Linareng Primary School, Tsikoane in Leribe on Monday.
Speaking at the event, Principal Chief of Tsikoane, Peka and Kolbere Ponts’o Seoehla Mathealira said it is unappealing that Linareng Primary School does not grow vegetables within its premises.
She highlighted that with King Letsie III as African Champion in Nutrition and in need of support from the other sections of society, it is a major mistake that Linareng does not support nutrition.
In addition, she said nutrition is an important aspect in the development of any child so as to attain the best education.
She indicated that it is time Linareng engaged in agriculture, saying the support given by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Security is a major step in moving forward the nutrition aspect.
Mathealira highlighted that His Majesty has given the principal chiefs an assignment in making sure nutrition activities are implemented in their areas hence she is part of the programme today.
Echoing the same sentiments District Education Manager (DEM) Leribe, Mrs. ‘Mabohlokoa Masunhloane said Ministry of Education and Training is proud of Linareng Primary School thus it should plant food around it’s premises, saying it is more in the open attracting people passing at the main road to Maputsoe.
“The premises have to be lively because of the plants,” she stated.
Mrs. Masunhloane said children will feed from the school gardens thus achieving good nutrition status and achieving best results.
Talking about the gifts given to the pupils, she said MOET appreciates the gifts and this is also a lesson the pupils will give out to other scholars in future.
She said the children who received the gifts should work hard in studies, pass examinations and aspire good behavior.
On behalf of the school board, Mrs. ‘Mamalia Nalane said the commemoration is important for the pupils to be motivated and feel motivated.
Again, she said they are also happy that though the school is in the rural areas it was chosen for the Back to School activity.
She highly appreciated the contribution by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Security in teaching the pupils and teachers to plant vegetables.
She indicated that the school has got a big yard to accommodate the vegetable garderns.
She said the pupils will be learning and will go and practice the same agriculture at their homes.
Speaking at the same event, one of the pupils, Noliwe Mohapi, expressed her gratitude to the supporters and MOET for holding a commemoration at Linareng Primary School.
She said they are happy that they were also remembered for the commemoration which goes on annually in different schools.
Ministry of Education and Training gave out hygiene kits to 17 vulnerable pupils at the same school, Network of Early Childhood Development of Lesotho (NECDOL) gave out school shoes together with TJ National Management Agent in School feeding while Department of Forestry gave out trees and Regeneration of Landscapes and Livelihoods Project.
The United Nations website stipulates that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number two and four accordingly indicates achievement of zero hunger and quality education which in this case are adhered to with the activity of the day.
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