Zomba communities told to invest in learners’ nutrition

Zomba-based Tigwirizane Community Based Organisation (CBO) executive director Dalitso Muronya says learners need to eat nutritious food to have a healthy life.

He said this on Tuesday in Zomba during the assessment of a feeding programme the CBO implements at Mwandama Primary School in the district.

Muronya said pupils who eat nutritious food demonstrate enhanced learning skills.

“Better diet makes learners healthier and they are more likely to attend classes regularly,” he said.

Lucy Swaleyi, a mother whose child is benefiting from the programme, said there is improved performance of her child.

She said  the child previously used to refuse to go to school hungry.

“The child no longer absconds classes and this has resulted in improved performance,” she said.

St. Anthony Teacher Development Centre assistant centre coordinator Dominic Phiri said research demonstrates a clear link between good nutrition and good academic performance.

“As learners grow and develop, they need important nutrients to be strong and healthy,” he said.

Group village head Mpanje from Senior Chief Mlumbe’s area where the school is located, pledged that his subjects will continue to help in cooking the porridge.