Embassy of Iceland head of mission David Bjarnason has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the school-feeding programme running in primary schools in Nkhotakota District through World Food Programme (WFP).
Speaking on Wednesday during a field visit to Thale II Primary School where he monitored backyard gardens and the school-feeding programme, he said schools such as Thale II have consistently impressed with their well-coordinated school committees.
Bjarnason stressed that schools such as Thale II demonstrate that the sustainability of such donor programmes is possible even after the donors exit due to strong community ownership and support.
He said: “Thale II Primary School could serve as a model school for Nkhotakota District in such fronts.
“We are implementing our programmes in health, education, water and sanitation to address some gaps but we have observed strong community relationships, which appear to work to their advantage in the implementation of school development programmes.”
The school’s head teacher Luzie Chiona said the school is surrounded by supportive traditional leaders and community members.
“We have devised a plan to ensure sustainability of this programme by entering into agreements with village heads that each village should support this cause,” he said.
Nkhotakota district chief education officer Alfred Chidiwa said learner enrolment in participating schools has improved due to the school-feeding programme.
World Food Programme school meals and nutrition officer Fortune Maduma commended the strong community involvement in the initiative.
