The North West government said it is pleased with the introduction of a school’s breakfast programme at 300 schools across the province.
The programme, which is registered through the National School Nutrition Programme in the province, is feeding more than 740 000 learners.
Government said the introduction of this initiative means that learners in these schools are receiving two meals a day and that this is a crucial step towards addressing food insecurity and creating a conducive learning environment for all learners.
Premier Bushy Maape and MEC of Education Viola Motsumi undertook a visit to Dingake Primary School in Verdwaal near Itsoseng to monitor the programme and progress in the province’s back to school campaign.
The school forms part of a cohort of 300 schools where the province introduced breakfast to mitigate the impact of poverty on learners in economically challenged communities.
“In 2023 I announced that learners in financially depressed communities will benefit from this programme which is currently serving two meals per day to three hundred schools across the province.
The feedback I have received in the implementation of this programme is satisfactory and to date we have not experienced any hiccups.
The programme is in full swing, and we are currently feeding over seven hundred forty thousand learners across the province,” said Maape.
The premier highlighted that more than 1300 schools across the province receive lunchtime meals, which ensures that learners come to school nourished and ready to learn.
Motsumi welcomed the programme and the smooth process of the school reopening.
“We are thrilled to see such a vibrant atmosphere at Dingake.
The high attendance and enthusiasm among both learners and educators are a testament to the dedication of our school communities and the importance placed on education in the province,” highlighted Motsumi.
Meanwhile, School Principal Moagi Ledwaba welcomed the initiative, adding that it will go a long way to help the learners.
“This is a good initiative, the school, teachers, learners and all the stakeholders welcome it.
These programmes help learners concentrate in the classroom.
Most of the learners come from poor family backgrounds, which are unable to feed them, and that affects their performances in class,” said Ledwaba.
