World Vision advocates for scaling up school meals

As the world commemorates the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, World Vision Malawi has emphasized the need to scale up school meal interventions across all schools in the country.

Advocacy Campaigns and Safeguarding Manager for World Vision, Lizzie Lombe, said this on Friday during a press briefing in Lilongwe.

Lombe stated that there is higher enrollment and reduced absenteeism in schools where learners are provided with meals, particularly among girls.

“Studies have shown that in schools where learners are given food, things are improving, and more girls attend school. We are therefore calling upon the government and stakeholders to promote the issue of school meals, regardless of the circumstances,” Lombe said.

A Form 4 student at Nkhoma Community Day Secondary School, Violet Phiri, agrees with Lombe, saying most girls fail to continue their education due to hunger at home.

Another student from the same school, Naomi Richie, suggests that economic empowerment for parents is crucial if the girl child is to be supported.

“There are parents who want to send their children to school but lack the money and sustainable sources of income. We, therefore, ask those in authority to economically empower such parents so they can educate their children,” Richie said.

This year, the day was commemorated under the theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”