Child Welfare Society of Kenya and Local Officials Unite to Alleviate Student Hunger and Boost Academic Performance
In a concerted effort to address the pervasive issue of student hunger and its adverse impact on educational outcomes, the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, in close collaboration with local government officials, has embarked on a comprehensive food distribution initiative spanning across the Keiyo South Sub-County.
Tafroza Shunza representing Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo Counties representative of the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, took center stage to announce the rollout of this much-needed program.
She revealed that a total of 26 schools within the region had been selected as beneficiaries, poised to receive essential food supplies including maize, beans, rice, green grams, cowpeas, and cooking oil.
These provisions, she emphasized, were tailored to cater to the nutritional needs of nearly 5,000 students enrolled in day secondary schools, a significant proportion of whom hail from financially disadvantaged backgrounds where securing even a single meal per day remains a challenge.
“The provision of these vital foodstuffs today will serve as a lifeline for our students, ensuring not only their retention in schools but also shielding them from the harsh realities of early entry into the workforce due to hunger-induced dropouts,” asserted Tafroza passionately.
Accompanying Tafroza’s rallying cry were the words of encouragement and motivation conveyed by Caleb Chira, another ardent advocate from the Child Welfare Society. As he traversed through school corridors, distributing food supplies and engaging with students, Caleb’s unwavering message echoed loud and clear: “Your education is your passport to a brighter future. Let these provisions serve as fuel for your academic journey, propelling you towards excellence and success.”
Meanwhile, Albert Chirchir, representative from the office of the Keiyo South MP, lauded the collaborative efforts between the Child Welfare Society and local government entities, recognizing the profound impact this initiative would have on academic achievement within the region.
“With a resolute tone, he underscored the imperative of not only reinstating but augmenting funding allocations for school feeding programs, especially in light of their instrumental role in supporting students from economically vulnerable households,” he said.
Joining the chorus of voices advocating for sustained support was Bernard Kibet, a stalwart champion from the MP’s office. Expressing gratitude for the program’s intervention in mitigating fee payment challenges and reducing absenteeism, Bernard emphasized the irrefutable need for increased government investment in nurturing the educational well-being of the nation’s youth.
Amidst the fervent discussions and expressions of gratitude, school principals emerged as staunch allies, wholeheartedly embracing the vision of a nourished and academically empowered student body.
Tanui Francis, principal of Kapleting Mixed Day High School, commended the collaborative efforts of the Child Welfare Society and the MP’s office, heralding the initiative as a beacon of hope for increased enrollment and reduced absenteeism. Similarly, Rokocho Secondary School principal echoed the sentiments, stressing the paramount importance of adequate nutrition in fostering student retention and scholastic success.
As the collective efforts of the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, local officials, and school administrators converge, a palpable sense of optimism permeates through the educational landscape of Keiyo South Sub-County. With unwavering determination and steadfast commitment, these stakeholders stand united in their resolve to not only alleviate student hunger but also nurture a generation of empowered learners poised to realize their full potential.