The Sindh government, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), has launched a major initiative to provide free meals to children in public schools. This step aims to tackle the widespread issues of malnutrition and food insecurity that many children face, especially those from low-income families.
The decision came after a significant meeting between Sindh’s Education Minister, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, and WFP’s Country Director, Coco Ushiyama. The discussions focused on how to address the lack of proper nutrition among schoolchildren, which often affects their health and academic performance.
Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah shared the challenges faced by parents, particularly in economically strained regions. Many families are unable to afford healthy food for their children, which not only affects their physical health but also their ability to concentrate and learn at school. This problem is most visible in areas with high poverty rates, where children often drop out of school or are sent to work instead of attending classes. The new meal program is designed to address these issues by providing nutritious meals to children during school hours, ensuring they can focus on their studies and stay healthy.
The first phase of this initiative will be rolled out in Malir district, Karachi, an area known for its economic hardships. The project will begin by offering hot meal lunch boxes to 11,000 boys and girls in local schools. This initiative will be closely monitored to ensure that the meals are distributed effectively and reach the children who need them most.
The goal is to reduce the dropout rate by ensuring children are well-fed and able to focus on their education. As the program expands, it will eventually include more districts and cities across Sindh, aiming to help as many children as possible.
In addition to improving children’s learning outcomes, WFP’s Coco Ushiyama emphasized that providing healthy meals at school would also boost children’s immunity, making them less susceptible to diseases. Nutrition plays a vital role in cognitive development, and ensuring that children receive balanced meals will significantly enhance their memory, concentration, and overall learning potential.
Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah stressed that the quality of food provided to students will be a top priority for the program. He highlighted the importance of not just providing food, but ensuring it is nutritious and beneficial for the children’s health.
This meal program is a much-needed solution to a growing problem, offering immediate support to families who struggle to provide adequate food for their children. With the first phase set to begin in Karachi, the Sindh government and WFP hope that the initiative will have a lasting impact on improving both the health and education of children in the region.
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