ActionAid Nigeria, in partnership with key government agencies, and the Women and Children Health Empowerment Foundation (WACHEF), have launched the Innovative Action for School Feeding Programme in Mayo-Ndaga, and Sah-Kaka communities of Sardauna Local Government Council of Taraba State.
The official launch, which took place in Gembu, the administrative headquarters of the council, is said aimed at combating malnutrition, improve school retention, and enhance the well- being of children in under-served border communities.
Speaking at the event, Hajiya Suwaiba Dankabo, Deputy Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria, emphasized the urgent need for sustainable school feeding solutions in Nigeria.
“Malnutrition continues to affect millions of children, limiting their physical, and cognitive development,” she noted, adding that despite government efforts, “poverty remains a major challenge, with over 133 million Nigerians living below the poverty line.”
The programme aims to institutionalize school feeding, as a long term intervention, as research indicates that a well -implemented school feeding programme can increase school enrollment by 39 percent, and reduce absenteeism by 50 percent.
National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP), Aderemi Adebowale, highlighted the broader impact of school feeding initiatives, which according to her, include improved child nutrition, and learning outcomes.
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Others, she said are support for local farmers through increased agricultural demand, and economic empowerment for women -led cooperatives.
She also stressed the need for strong partnerships among government agencies, civil society, and development partners to ensure the long term success of the school feeding initiatives.
Echoing the sentiment of both the country director and that of the national programme manager of the RH-NHGSFP, the Executive Director of WACHEF, Jaafar Magaji, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the programme, which will provide nutrition meals to 800 children across Mayo-Ndaga, and Sah-Kaka communities.
“This initiative is more than just a feeding program; it is a commitment to ensuring every child has access to a nutritious meal, fostering their well-being and educational success,” Magaji stated.
He called for continued efforts to expand, and sustain school feeding programmes nationwide, stressing that “the future of our children, and the prosperity of our nation depend on the investments we make today.”
