Seibo Maria says its school-feeding programme has improved attendance and children’s nutrition, thereby increasing access to basic education in rural areas.
The organisation launched the initiative 10 years ago to promote education in community-based childcare centres (CBCCs) in Blantyre and Mzimba districts.
On Monday, the programme commemorated its 10th anniversary at Kachimera CBCC in Traditional Authority Kuntaja in Blantyre.
In his remarks, Seibo Maria programme manager Victor Mthulo said they have supported 20 000 children in the two districts with meals.
“We have seen an increase in the number of children attending school because they know they will find food there,” he said.
Mthulo said they plan to expand the programme to more schools in the country.
“We want to partner companies and individuals to reach more schools,” he said.
Blantyre District Council nutrition coordinator Lucy Nkhata said school-feeding programmes play a critical role in strengthening early childhood development.
She said such initiatives complement government’s policy which requires every primary school to have a CBCC or nursery to provide a strong foundation for learners.
Nkhata also commended Seibo Maria for targeting hard-to-reach areas to ensure children have access to education.
“It is important that all Malawian children receive equal services regardless of their areas,” she said.
On his part, Kachimera CBCC director Luke Ndaluza said the programme has encouraged children to attend classes to build a strong pre-school foundation
