School feeding programme commences

GINA, Georgetown, February 4, 2010

In an effort to promote an atmosphere of learning and productivity, the Ministry of Education commenced its school feeding programme on February 2.

A distribution team today visited several schools including West Ruimveldt Primary and the Alexander Village and Agricola Nursery Schools.


This teacher of Alexander Village Nursery distributes the snacks provided by the Education Ministry to students of her class. February 4, 2010

The snack, of crackers and fruit juice, was appreciatively received by students who expressed gratitude for the kind gesture.

The snack is to be distributed to students of nursery schools as well as primary students of Grades One and Two.

President Bharrat Jagdeo had recently announced that Government will be spending $800M this year on a nationwide school feeding programme, cognizant of the fact that good nutrition plays an important role in improving the concentration of students at school.


Students of the West Ruimveldt receiving their snack provided by the Ministry of Education. February 4, 2010

A similar programme is ongoing in the hinterland communities where students are benefitting from hot meals and in some areas peanut butter with cassava bread.

Government allocated $710M in 2009 to expand the school feeding programme to be effected at 100 primary schools in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

In its quest to reduce illiteracy government has introduced several initiatives including the provision of school uniforms, text books and the school feeding programme.


Students of Agricola Nursery School about to partake in the snacks provided by the Ministry of Education through its school feeding programme. February 4, 2010

The feeding programme is expected to bring about a marked difference in the attendance rate at schools especially in depressed communities.

It was initially introduced as part of a poverty eradication project aimed at assisting families who were unable to provide sufficient meals for their children.

refernce Source - GINA, February 4, 2010

I vaguely remember getting food in nursery school under Burnham. The economy tanked subsequently. But it is good to see this happening.

Now the AFC/PNC will never attain power. Too much progress under the pPP. he he he

quote:

Students of Agricola Nursery School about to partake in the snacks provided by the Ministry of Education through its school feeding programme. February 4, 2010

A small segment of the future leaders of Guyana.

The Snacks are provided by UNICEF not the Government.

Thank you to all those involved.
Guyana has such beautiful children.