NGO school feeding programmes deemed valuable and sustainable

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Department of Education and an NGO, Food, Education, Energy and Development (Feed) evaluated the benefits of a programme for poor communities during a joint roadshow with the principals of the beneficiary schools.

Feed provides supplementary meals to more than 14,000 learners in 33 selected beneficiary schools in J.B. Marks sub-districts, Matlosana and Makwassie Hills.

Mr Tyatya, the deputy director of special programmes and projects in the District Department of Education facilitated the event. The roadshow aimed to emphasise the importance of full cooperation from participating schools and ensure sustainable results for the children in the programme.

“This exercise was invaluable to Feed and beneficiary schools to evaluate the results of mutual cooperation between the department and Feed. It also motivated the participating schools to comply with the standard requirements and regulations required to achieve sustainable positive effects for the learners in the programme,” explained Henriette Schoeman, the project manager for the school feeding scheme.

Since 2021, Feed and its partner, SUNfarming South Africa, have distributed around 7.5 million portions of locally-produced Vitality Booster Porridge to learners and families from poorer communities. It brings relief of distress and contributes to the healthy development of the learners by providing a well-balanced, nutritious meal daily.

“Feed is responsible for the cost-efficiency and sustainability of the programmes, which are strictly audited by funders and donors. Our goal is to continue the good cooperation with the schools involved and expand the programmes to more schools. Therefore, it is essential to professionally organise and document the positive effects on the children’s health and their development. We can only achieve this through mutual cooperation with the schools” Ms Schoeman said.

The Vitality Booster Porridge is locally produced and exclusive to Feed. Each portion contains valuable vitamins, minerals and proteins for the children’s healthy development. Learners are offered one portion when they arrive at the school, ensuring that the children who mostly come from families in need and without income, should not begin their school day hungry and without energy. Teachers and school kitchen staff are actively involved in preparing and distributing the meals daily.
Where school food gardens can be established.

Feed arranges agritraining for neighbouring communities on how to set up a food garden, and provides ongoing support. Vegetables from the school garden are then used to supplement the children’s daily meals and, where possible, for members of the community.

Feed has been distributed the porridge in the rural and farm areas and townships of Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Ventersdorp and Makassie districts. In these areas, unemployment is high and the families often suffer from hunger.
Mrs M.G. Ntehelang, the district official responsible for the National School Feeding Scheme, confirms that “the Feed school programme must continue as it is very effectively organised and a valuable complement to the national feeding scheme. In this regard, both the department and schools must actively support the programme.”

During the roadshow to beneficiary schools, the principals and staff expressed their unequivocal support for the programme and welcome the initiative. The 33 beneficiaries are privileged to be involved in the Feed programme as there are over 160 disadvantaged schools in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. These schools should ideally benefit from this programme, given the poverty levels of the communities they are in.

“If a child suffers from hunger or is not well-nourished, how can they pay attention to school lessons or achieve good results?” Henriette Schoeman asked. “Our funders and donors support us to alleviate malnutrition and stop hunger to make a real difference in the children’s lives. It is our task, together with the schools we select, to ensure that every cent is spent on reaching this goal.

“The roadshow was not only a good opportunity to present our work and document the positive impact of the programme, but it also strengthened the motivation and understanding of all parties involved. We, therefore, look forward to further close, successful cooperation between Feed, the schools and the department.”
To expand the programme and reach more schools in need across the country, Feed requires additional funding. For more information, contact Karel Jooste at 072 828 8351 or Henriette Schoeman at 076 836 6951.