Resume Feeding Kids in Schools Kadaga to Parents

BY HILLARY OPIO OMARA 

KAMULI DISTRICT,  Uganda. Deputy Prime Minister Rt.Hon.Rebecca Kadaga has directed parents to resume providing meals for their children in schools, warning that failure to do so is undermining learning and children's welfare.

 Kadaga made the remarks while addressing a gathering during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child at Nawansaso Primary School in Kamuli District last week.

 She criticized some parents who have stopped providing meals for children in both government and private schools,saying the practice negatively affects pupils' concentration,academic performance,and overall well-being.

According to Kadaga,parents have a primary responsibility to ensure that children attending schools receive adequate meals, stressing that the government's school feeding initiatives should not be used as an excuse for neglecting parental obligations.

 She emphasized that parents should not only enroll children in school but also provide the support they need to succeed, including proper nutrition and close monitoring of their education.

The Deputy Prime Minister also cautioned parents against involving children in income-generating activities such as selling produce in markets during school time, warning that such practices increase school dropout rates and expose children to early marriages and other forms of exploitation.

.Kadaga further urged school administrators to establish school gardens and plant fruit trees,including oranges and other nutritious crops,to supplement children's diets and promote healthy growth. Speaking at the same event,State Minister for Gender,Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs,Dr.Mercy Faith Lakisa called on all stakeholders to strengthen efforts to protect children's rights and welfare.

Dr.Lakisa noted that the Day of the African Child commemorates the courage of children who stood up for their right to education during the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa,where many lost their lives while demanding equal access to quality education.

 Although the Day of the African Child is annually observed on June 16,Uganda held this year's national commemoration later than usual due to disruptions caused by the Ebola outbreak.

This year's celebration was held under the theme: "Accelerating the Implementation of Standard Operating Procedures for Meaningful Child Participation."