Berea, November 27 — A school gardening campaign and menu tasting event was held today at Sebetia Primary School in the Berea district.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, with support from the World Food Program (WFP).
The campaign aims to improve school feeding programs by encouraging the cultivation of diverse vegetables and fruits to ensure learners receive nutritious, balanced meals. It also seeks to reduce the financial burden of food provision on schools.
The Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition encouraged men to take an active role in gardening and food provision at home.
He highlighted that the Prime Minister’s efforts to equip local resource centers with tools and support must be matched with accountability and efficient work from all stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Minister of Education and Training called on communities to work closely with teachers to maintain the school gardens and support local nutrition clubs.
“We’re truly appreciative of your support, both financially and technically, in schools through various ways,” he said, thanking WFP and urging parents to also create home gardens to ensure healthy living beyond the school environment.
According to Mrs. ‘Makamohelo Semuli, Director of Nutrition and Home Economics, “these gardens will ensure children eat meals with vegetables, aiding their eyesight, brain functioning and overall growth.”
She noted that many schools struggle with seasonal crop failure, and the program will now provide crops suited for year round production.
Representing WFP, Ms. Brigette Nyirasafali expressed the organization’s support, stating that the campaign aligns with the National School Feeding Policy, which advocates for sustainable, nutrition sensitive school meals.
The day also featured a menu tasting session, where students sampled new meal options, supported by WFP under the School Feeding Program.
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