By Wasike Elvis
In a powerful display of commitment
to addressing hunger and improving education outcomes, Moiben Member of
Parliament, Prof. Phylis Bartoo, officially flagged off the "Mama Food for
Education" program at a ceremony held today at Moiben Primary School. The
initiative, aimed at providing nutritious meals to children in urban public
schools, seeks to address the severe challenges faced by low-income families.
Speaking during the flag-off
ceremony, Prof. Bartoo emphasized the critical need for intervention, noting
that many children from low-income households report to school without having
had a proper meal. "Life in urban areas is tough, and for many of our
children, the reality of going to school on an empty stomach is all too familiar,"
she said. "This is a devastating cycle that impacts not only their health
but also their ability to learn and thrive in school."
The "Mama Food for
Education" program, which is now being rolled out to urban primary
schools, will provide daily meals to children, ensuring they are well-nourished
and ready to learn. The initiative is designed to improve attendance, reduce
dropouts, and ultimately boost academic performance by addressing one of the
root causes of poor educational outcomes in the community.
"Today marks a significant step
forward in ensuring that every child in Moiben and beyond has access to at
least one nutritious meal a day. By providing food, we are also providing the
foundation for these children to excel academically and build a better future,"
Prof. Bartoo stated.
The program is expected to benefit
thousands of children from humble backgrounds, with the aim of reducing
malnutrition and improving overall health outcomes. By ensuring children are
well-fed, the program will also help reduce the number of absences due to
illness, which is often linked to poor nutrition.
The Moiben MP also highlighted that
the program is not just about feeding children but also improving food security
at the household level. "The 'Mama Food for Education' program also has a
broader impact. It provides much-needed support to families by reducing the
burden of feeding their children, which in turn helps boost the local
economy," she explained.
Parents and community leaders who
attended the ceremony expressed their gratitude for the program, acknowledging
its potential to uplift families and improve the lives of their children.
"This is a huge relief for us. We no longer have to worry about whether
our children will have a meal before heading to school," said one parent
in attendance.
The program will initially target
urban public schools with a high number of children from low-income families,
with plans for expansion based on its success in the pilot schools. The
initiative has garnered widespread support from local organizations and
government officials, all of whom recognize the vital role it will play in
shaping the future of Kenya's youth.
Prof. Bartoo concluded her speech by
calling on all stakeholders to continue working together to ensure the success
of the program. "Their needs may not always be our needs, but together, we
can make a difference. Let’s be patient, tolerant, and supportive as we work to
build a brighter future for our children," she urged.
The "Mama Food for
Education" program is set to begin operations immediately in Moiben, with
plans to roll out to other urban schools in the coming months.
One of the head teachers, praised the program, highlighting its potential to
transform student attendance and performance. "This program will make a
huge difference in our schools," he said. "Many of our students often
miss school or struggle to concentrate because of hunger. With consistent meals
provided, we are confident that absenteeism will reduce significantly, and
students will be able to stay in class and focus better on their studies. We
expect to see improved performance across the board."
Parents and community leaders who attended the ceremony also expressed their
gratitude for the program, acknowledging its potential to uplift families and
improve the lives of their children. "This is a huge relief for us. We no
longer have to worry about whether our children will have a meal before heading
to school," said one parent in attendance.