22/11/2024
Siaya Launches Comprehensive ECDE Feeding Program
The County Government of Siaya has introduced a comprehensive Pre-Primary School Feeding Policy aimed at providing adequate, locally sourced food to underprivileged pre-primary school children. This initiative, which has already been piloted in 13 wards, seeks to reduce poverty among households and promote effective local economic development. By January 2025 when it officially begins, the program is expected to benefit 700 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers and support more than 50,000 students within the county.
By offering diverse and nutritious diet such as enriched uji, this policy aims to enhance pupils' health and increase their engagement, attendance, and school completion rates. The initiative is expected to enhance child-friendliness and encourage community involvement and ownership of the pre-primary feeding program, ultimately creating employment opportunities within the ECDE framework. Additionally, the policy will include measures to support children enrolled in school but are facing temporary hunger.
Furthermore, the strategy is designed to improve the health, nutrition, and well-being of preschool children, thereby stabilizing school attendance, expanding preschool enrollment, and facilitating smoother transitions.
To ensure an efficient and effective roll out, The Nyalore Administration has established a departmental school feeding program committee. The committee has been divided into wards and county school feeding program committees, both of which will be managed by the respective Boards of Management (BOM) of each ECDE center.
Governor James Orengo’s leadership pledges to raise awareness among students, parents, and educators regarding the health and nutritional needs of children, particularly those with disabilities.
