Credit: © WFP/Eulalia Berlanga. Copyright: © WFP/Eulalia Berlanga
By Kapuki Jada,
Schools in South Sudan’s Lankein Payam of Nyirol County experienced a remarkable transformation after Oxfam with support from the World Food Programme (WFP) launched a school feeding initiative early this year.
Previously, the schools were facing substantial challenges that led to a high dropout of pupils and students in parts of the country. The schools have so far registered a significant increase in student enrollment.
Among them is Gaitut Primary School, whose headteacher, Jeremiah Reath said has witnessed a double increase in learners, especially girls.
Students from far-flung areas who used to struggle with hunger and fatigue now come to school motivated and focused, knowing that they will receive a nutritious meal.
“Before the introduction of the school feeding program, Gaitut Primary School had 606 students, with 143 girls and 463 boys. However, after the feeding program was introduced, the number of students has more than doubled, with a total of 1,297 students, including 539 girls and 758 boys,” Reath narrated.
Fifteen-year-old Nyagoa Dak, a primary 6 pupil at the school notes that her friends who used to not attend school due to the long distance they walk, have since come to school, knowing they will have food to keep them going through the day.
“I feel far better than in the past years. The school feeding has made many of my friends join the school. Our number has also increased in class. Many of us come from far places to this school. By the time we reach, we are tired and hungry. We can’t even focus in class. But now there is food in the school, we are very motivated knowing there is feeding in the school so it is really good even from the attendance you can tell it is a good thing,” Dak explained.
The school headteacher expects the number to increase beyond 1,297 students in the next intake, which calls for continued support from Oxfam and donors.
The school feeding program has not only increased student attendance but also improved academic performance.
Teachers are now more motivated to teach, and the overall school environment has become more conducive to learning, authorities said.
The community at large has also expressed satisfaction with the school feeding program as they witness their children being motivated to attend school regularly.
The success of the school feeding program in Gaitut Primary School serves as a testament to the transformative power of initiatives that address the basic needs of students.
With access to nutritious meals, students can now focus on their studies and pursue their dreams like Nyagoa Dak who dreams of becoming an English female teacher.
It is a shining example of how simple interventions can make a significant difference in the lives of children and communities.
