The school feeding activity in Zambia follows the essential package model, which includes the provision of adequate water and sanitation facilities, de-worming, and environmental sustainability initiatives. These facilities are complemented by the Ministry of Education and other local and international partners.
Community mobilization for the preparation of the porridge in schools has greatly enhanced community participation in overall school-based development activities.
Discuss what effect the meals have on the children in terms of school attendance, performance, and nutrition.
In Zambia, school feeding programs are an effective way to attract children to school. On a full stomach, children are able to concentrate on learning and perform better. The school feeding programme has also been instrumental in convincing parents to send their children to school. Many orphans and vulnerable children who would have otherwise not attended school are sent by parents because households receive take-home rations.
The following are the achievements of WFP school feeding intervention, thus far:
- a 35% increase in attendance of boys and girls in WFP assisted schools
- on average, the enrollment rate has increased by 70% since inception.
- the ratio of girls to boys enrolled, retained, and completing school in WFP-assisted schools changed slightly from 1:1 to 1:1.03.
- orphans and vulnerable children from take-home beneficiary households were more likely to attend schools.
- the take-home ration component is improving overall household well-being.
What plans are there for making school lunches available for all children?
68% of the population of Zambia is estimated to be in poverty, with 53% considered extremely poor. 49% of children are stunted, indicating chronic malnutrition. Poverty and food insecurity are widespread in rural and urban areas, and the country remains extremely vulnerable to recurring natural disasters.
The impact of HIV/AIDS has contributed to the high number of orphans and vulnerable children, estimated at one million, of whom 10% do not go to school, and many of whom are looked after by elderly grandparents.
Research also shows that orphans living with extended families or in foster care can be prone to discrimination, which includes limited access to health, education, and social services. The high numbers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS,who need support and care have diminished the caring and coping mechanisms of the traditional extended family systems.
The total number of primary school age children in Zambia currently stands at 2,736,365, of whom 11% (302,175) are out of school. The completion rate for primary education in food-insecure areas is as low as 63%. WFP is currently assisting only about 250,000 learners (9%).
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