Addressing Hunger and Education in Arid Regions.
In the heart of Marsabit County lies Hula-Hula Primary School, where the lunch bell signals more than a break; it represents survival for 12-year-old Hawa Hamadi. As the eldest of four children, Hawa shoulders responsibilities beyond her years. When lunchtime arrives, she secures a portion of her meal for her family, knowing they depend on her.
Each morning, Hawa faces the harsh reality of hunger and responsibility. The sunrise, rather than being a symbol of a new day, marks another episode of struggle. The meager school lunch offers a brief respite, a momentary relief from the relentless hunger that dominates her life. Hawa dreams of a day when she and her family can eat their fill without worry, but for now, even this small comfort is precious.
Hawa’s story is one of many in Marsabit’s semi-arid lands, where poverty is rampant, and school feeding programs are crucial for survival. “I have to hide a small portion of food because I feel bad when I eat, knowing my siblings at home are not eating,” she confides. Her fear of losing the school feeding program is profound, as it represents the only hope for her younger siblings to attend school.
The looming threat of budget cuts to the school feeding program in the 2024-2025 fiscal year has caused significant concern. As a result, these cuts could jeopardize the education of many children in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), where school meals are often the only reliable source of food.
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Daniel Arero, head teacher of Gar Qarsa Primary School, oversees a student body of 692, many of whom depend on school meals. “When I first arrived, there were 350 students. Now, half of the students rely on the food provided at school, and some have fainted from hunger,” Arero shares. Despite the rule against taking food home, many students do so out of necessity.
At Kiwanja Ndege Primary School, deputy head teacher Gode Joshua highlights the critical role of the feeding program in student retention and well-being. “Students walk more than 8 kilometers to reach school. Access to food here is essential for their energy and concentration,” Joshua explains. The program combats hunger and malnutrition, allowing students to focus on learning.
Marsabit Education County Director Joseph Alamaki underscores the significance of these meals in regions plagued by food scarcity. “These children rely heavily on government-provided meals. Without them, there is no food at home. The school meals are vital for their daily sustenance,” Alamaki states. Therefore, the increase in school enrollment, from 50,000 in 2023 to 61,342 in 2024, reflects the program’s impact.
According to the National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (Naconek), 40,939 lower-grade learners in Marsabit benefit from the School Meals Program (SMP), with porridge provided in 195 schools, serving a total of 91,794 learners. Consequently, nationwide, 2.6 million learners benefit from the SMP, with enrollment increasing from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.6 million in 2024.
Fadiha Mohammed, a parent at Kiwanja Ndege, finds solace in the program. “With two children in school, knowing they’ll receive meals brings peace of mind,” she says. Marsabit Central Deputy County Commissioner David Saruni emphasizes the program’s broader impact. “This program can foster long-term peace in Marsabit by providing alternative income opportunities through education,” Saruni notes.
National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa warns that withdrawing free meals will adversely affect learning across the country. The loss of the school feeding program threatens not only the education of many children but also the stability and future prosperity of entire communities.
In conclusion, the school feeding program in Marsabit and other arid regions is more than just a meal; it’s a lifeline for countless children and their families. It ensures that students like Hawa Hamadi can attend school, receive nourishment, and hold onto hope for a better future. As discussions on budget allocations continue, the importance of maintaining and expanding these programs cannot be overstated. The future of many young lives and the stability of their communities depend on it.
Addressing Hunger and Education in Arid Regions.
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