BY D SEBUNYA: Over 165,000 Karamoja Learners to Benefit from China food Aid.A total of up to 165,300 Karamoja learners are set to benefit from food Aid from the Chinese government, through the world Food Program (WFP). The aid worth 7.5 billion Shillings, is to serve hot meals to leaners in up to 315 school, for the next academic term.
Abdirahman Meygag, the WFP Country Representative, underscored the pivotal role of China’s contribution in sustaining WFP’s school meals program. “This initiative directly impacts the lives of countless children, particularly girls, by not only ensuring they remain in school but also shielding them from various social challenges,” he said
Meygag emphasized the longstanding partnership between WFP and the Ministry of Education and Sports, highlighting their joint efforts to implement the home-grown school feeding program. He commended Uganda’s unwavering commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 4, which advocate for an end to hunger and equitable educational opportunities.
He says “currently, WFP provides hot meals to over 210,000 students from 315 schools across nine districts in the Karamoja Sub-region. This program holds the promise of a brighter future for vulnerable children in the area.” Meygag further elaborated on WFP’s initiatives, which directly link school meals to local farmers, thereby fostering increased food purchase from smallholder farmers in the Karamoja sub-region. This approach not only bolsters food security but also supports local economies.
Zhang Lizhong, the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, reaffirmed China’s commitment to addressing food security challenges in Africa. “The donation reflects a rapid response to Uganda’s urgent request and aligns with President Xi Jinping’s pledge to assist African nations during the China-Africa leader’s dialogue,” explains the ambassador.
Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the State Minister for Primary Education, hailed schools as crucial platforms for supporting children in realizing their full potential. She emphasized the transformative impact of school feeding programs on human capital development and local economies.
Minister Kaducu acknowledged the challenges facing Uganda’s education system, including high dropout rates and low secondary school enrollment. She stressed the pivotal role of school feeding in retaining students and highlighted its alignment with Uganda’s National Vision 2040 and Development Plan 3.
Additionally, Minister Kaducu revealed the government’s forthcoming multisectoral School Feeding Policy, which underscores the importance of home-grown school feeding. This policy aims to enhance cognitive development, academic performance, and overall well-being among students.
This food aid represents a significant stride towards improving education, nutrition, and socio-economic development in the Karamoja region. By investing in school meals and fostering local agricultural development, this initiative promises to uplift communities and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.