Child Welfare Society of Kenya Launches Lunch Program For Day Schools, in Keiyo South

The Child Welfare Society of Kenya has launched a lunch program for public day secondary schools in Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The state organization that promotes and protects the rights of children in the country said the initiative in partnership with area local MP Gideon Kimaiyo will benefit 6000 students within 26 schools.

“Today we have launched the distribution of foodstuffs and books to 26-day secondary schools in Keiyo South. The food items include rice, green grams, cowpeas, maize, cooking fat, and books” Child Welfare Society representative Tafroza Shunza told the media.

Family Tracing

Child Welfare Society of Kenya under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has been providing shelter and safe houses to the rescued children who, for one reason or another, have not found alternative families and have to be placed in the children’s homes temporarily as reintegration back to homes or another alternative is sought.

It has branches in all the 47 counties.

The CWSK official said they started the school meal plan to cushion children from poor backgrounds who could not afford even a single meal leading to a lack of concentration and increased rates of absenteeism.

“Last year we were only giving lunch to candidates but after seeing how the children were suffering we decided to give foodstuffs. A child cannot read on an empty stomach. With lunch guaranteed, learners will work hard and as a result, record improved grades and 100 percent retention,” said Tafroza.

The organization has rolled out similar interventions in various Counties. In the last week, the CWSK team has visited Murang’a, Kiambu, and Baringo counties targeting over 25,000 students.

Wesonga Kenneth Sub-County Director of Education Keiyo South hailed the Child Welfare Society of Kenya CEO Irene Mureithi and area MP Gideon Kimaiyo for the Initiative that he said will ensure the less fortunate have to access education.

“The government programme is insufficient as such we appreciate efforts by the MP who has gone out of his way to ensure children get food by partnering with the Child Welfare Society of Kenya,” he said.

Lilian Maore program officer, of the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, urged girls not to allow themselves to be exploited due to lack of food.

“I know you are going through a hard time but don’t allow yourselves to be used by men in the name of food. Focus on studies to be someone in the future and thereafter help your parents,” she said.

Wesonga says the donation is timely as it will improve learning outcomes.

“Our learners will have nutritious meals. This is going to have an impact on the overall health of our learners. The concentration span of our children will improve,” he says.

“Since last year when the program started we have seen a positive impact on the performance of our schools, last year we emerged the best and we believe this year will even be better come the year 2024,” he said.

He noted that the initiative will support government efforts to achieve 100 pc enrolment.

“With this program, we are sure our student’s access to quality meals. We plead with our principals who will benefit from the same to ensure prudent utilization of the same,” he noted.

Josephat Mutugi Acc Chepkorio Division applauded the Children Welfare for supporting vulnerable children

“We thank the Children Welfare Association for coming up with this initiative which will support over 26 days schools. We are happy that our children will now concentrate in school since some of them cannot even afford a single meal at their places,” he said during the exercise.

Dr Daniel Makupi one of the professionals representing the area MP said the food and nonfood items have come in handy and will ease parents’ financial needs

“Infrastructure here is a problem, getting food supplies is a challenge owing to logistical issues. The support will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of children and also improving standards of education,” he said.

“In addition to foodstuffs from the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, our area MP has also supported them by paying fees to all-day schools for the four years until they complete their education,”
The elated students expressed their gratitude to the area MP and Child Welfare Society of Kenya for the donation which will help them stay in school.

“I want to thank Child Welfare Society CE0 Madam Irene Mureithi and the area MP Gideon Kimaiyo for bringing us these foodstuffs and books. We promise to work hard and make them proud,” said John Korir Chepsigot Secondary School’s head boy after receiving the donations.

“This is like a dream come true we have been suffering some of us our parents cannot even afford a single meal a day but with these supplies, we will now stay in school thus improving performance,” Sheila Rono from Muskut Secondary said.

Principal Joseph Sang Principal Chepsamo Secondary said the stores were empty and they had no food for students.

“We have been having at least four cases of students fainting due to lack of food but with these donations, they will continue with their education smoothly. I want to thank the Child Welfare Society of Kenya and the area MP for this initiative May God Bless you,” he said

The teachers also welcomed the gesture.

“I don’t know how to thank you because what you have done is only God who can pay you since you have saved a life. Some of our children come from poor backgrounds. On many occasions they go for days without food, a situation that has led many to drop out of school and engage in child labour” said the Director of Studies at Kipyator Secondary School.

“This is a good initiative from the bottom of my heart I want to thank the Child Welfare Society of Kenya CEO Irene Mureithi for coming up with this initiative, this will help students perform even better in their customers since they cannot concentrate with an empty stomach,” said Muskut Secondary School teacher.