APBET. Schools Should Not Be Left Out in the School Feeding Program
Dr. Paul K. Wanjohi who is the Treasurer, of Unified APBET Schools Association – Kenya (UASA-K) has taken a moment to share with us his thoughts on the school feeding program.
Dr. Wanjohi notes,“Unified APBET Schools Association warmly welcomes the implementation of the school feeding program. This program brings with it numerous advantages, particularly for learners coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. As the Treasurer of the association and the founder and managing director of Sharp Education Centre, I firmly believe that this initiative will play a crucial role in uplifting learning standards and promoting inclusivity within the education system.
One of the most significant benefits of the feeding program is the improved nutrition it offers to students. Many children from underprivileged backgrounds face food insecurity and malnutrition, which negatively impacts their cognitive development and overall health. By providing at least one nutritious meal during the school day, the feeding program ensures that these students receive the nourishment they need for better concentration, learning, and overall well-being.
Additionally, the provision of meals at school has the potential to significantly increase attendance rates. Hunger can often act as a barrier to regular school attendance, but with the assurance of receiving a meal, students are more motivated to attend classes consistently.
Furthermore, we believe that proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing learning outcomes. With improved nutrition, students are likely to experience better cognitive abilities, leading to enhanced academic performance.
Another crucial advantage of the school feeding program is its potential to reduce dropout rates, especially for low-cost private schools catering to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. By meeting the basic nutritional needs of these children, the program helps to ensure that they stay in school and complete their education.
Moreover, the feeding program promotes inclusivity and equity within the educational landscape. By offering the same educational opportunities to students from different socioeconomic backgrounds, it levels the playing field for those facing additional challenges due to poverty.
However, as we celebrate the implementation of this program, it is essential to address the challenges faced by APBET schools in Kenya. Financial constraints remain a significant obstacle for many schools, making it difficult to cover essential expenses such as teacher salaries, school infrastructure maintenance, and learning materials. Furthermore, some APBET schools experience declining enrollment due to competition with public schools and other private institutions, posing sustainability challenges.
One of the critical areas that require attention is the lack of sufficient government support for APBET schools. Unlike public schools, APBET schools often receive limited to no financial assistance from the government, hindering their ability to cope with various expenses.
To overcome these challenges, I propose several solutions. First and foremost, we must advocate for government support, urging authorities to recognize the significance of APBET schools and provide financial assistance, such as targeted capitation funds, to improve educational quality.
Additionally, fostering public-private partnerships can be instrumental in leveraging resources and expertise to enhance the overall quality of education and support initiatives like the feeding program.
Investing in teacher training and development programs is essential to enhance teaching skills, thereby improving learning outcomes for students.
Community involvement and engagement with parents can play a crucial role in garnering support and potential fundraising opportunities for schools.
Furthermore, exploring opportunities for grants and donations from philanthropic organizations or individuals can provide financial aid to address immediate needs and invest in long-term improvements.
Finally, embracing cost-effective and innovative learning solutions, such as open educational resources (OER) and digital learning tools, can help bridge resource gaps and enhance the quality of education in APBET schools.
We express my sincere appreciation for the introduction of the school feeding program and the positive impact it will have on learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. UASA-K, remain committed to working tirelessly with all stakeholders to address the challenges faced by APBET schools and ensure a brighter and more inclusive future for our students.”
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