Editor
Education authorities in Kabale district are facing challenges in convincing parents of government primary school students to embrace the milk-feeding program aimed at improving the nutritional well-being of school children.
The Integrated Smallholder Dairy Program (ISDAP), a two-year initiative supported by the Ministry of Education and SNV Uganda, a Netherlands-based development organization, seeks to subsidize parents in providing milk for their children at schools.
Charles Asiimwe, the Executive Director of Kigezi Food and Nutrition Consulting Limited, disclosed during a District advocacy meeting with the national school milk taskforce at Kabale Municipal Council Hall on Tuesday that 32 primary schools within Kabale Municipality and six primary schools under Kabale District Local Government have already embraced the school milk program.
George Muteekanga, the Assistant Commissioner of Private Schools and Institutions in the Ministry of Education, urged parents to actively participate in and support the program, emphasizing that it not only enhances students’ academic performance but also ensures proper nutrition while reducing school dropouts.
Addah Busingye, the Head Teacher of Kafunjo Primary School, and Geoffrey Binomugisha, the Head Teacher of Hornby High School Junior, stressed the necessity for the government to launch a comprehensive campaign focused on altering parents’ mindsets and behaviors.
They argued that many parents still maintain negative attitudes towards contributing to their children’s education.
