By Virginia Njovo
School heads in Masvingo province, particularly in Chiredzi, Masvingo, and Mwenezi Districts have reported significant improvement in school attendance due to a school feeding programme backed by Seeds For Future (SEFF).
Speaking to TellZim News during SEFF closure meeting at Urban Lifestyles Hotel in Masvingo, Musvovi Primary School head Rodiya Imbayago told TellZim News that the introduction of feeding programmes led to a notable increase in learners’ attendance.
“Since implementing the feeding programme at our school, I have seen a tangible improvement in learners attending classes compared to previous years. The food provided motivates them to come to school,” said Imbayago.
Beyond attendance, Imbayago said the project had also contributed to infrastructure development at the school.
“We have benefitted from infrastructure improvements. Even though the project is coming to an end, we were left with something tangible,” said Imbayago.
SEFF project manager, Joseph Matiza, said the initiative aimed to ensure food security in schools and communities among the six schools selected in the three districts.
“The SEFF project selected six primary schools in the three districts, Ndali, Mpinga, Musvovi, Fusira, Rata, and Matande, to pilot actions supporting the home-grown school feeding programmes to ensure children learn with full stomachs from a nutritious diet,” said Matiza.
Each school received support for solar-powered irrigation gardens, poultry projects, and fish farming to provide vegetables, eggs, and fish, enriching students’ diets with essential nutrients. Local communities contributed traditional grains for the cereal component of school meals, enhancing food security.
Matiza said the project also focused on community seed banks and agro ecological transition, enabling local communities to produce sufficient grains for both local and school needs.
