The Nishkam Community of Kericho has initiated a feeding programme for pupils at Kericho Highlands Primary and Junior Secondary school.
During the programme launch dubbed Nishkam Feeding Programme, school head teacher Mr. Sammy Mandago said the Community in conjunction the school Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and other donors actualized the programme after realizing the high number of pupils drawn from humble backgrounds who needed help.
“The feeding programme is as a result of the initiators and the school community witnessing cases of many pupils from vulnerable homes either missing school altogether or being persistently absent due to lack of a meals at home. Most are drawn from Majengo, Nyagacho and other areas where their parents are facing various economic challenges,” he said.
Mandago lauded the programme sponsors saying the school community was ready to extend further assistance in their efforts to expand the feeding programme in the school and beyond.
Nishkam also donated Ksh40 million to upgrade infrastructure at the school.
Ainamoi Sub County Director of Education (SCDE) Mr. Omari Mokaya said the feeding programme was welcome by the Ministry of Education as it was in tandem with the government’s efforts to assist vulnerable families.
The Project Coordinator Mr. Ahluwalia, who is currently residing in Germany, said they targeted an initial 200 pupils then the programme will later be expanded to reach 500 pupils and if there will be more donors the initiative will be expanded to reach other students in neighbouring schools.
The school Board Chair Emily Rotich said the initiative had come at an opportune moment saying it will boost the feeding initiative that had been started by teachers at the school. She challenged the local community to develop similar initiatives.
UNICEF Kisumu Zonal Office Chief Wangui Karanja said their organization will align with the Nishkam Feeding Programme and see ways of assisting it to become an integrated part of the school feeding programme.
She urged the county government of Kericho and other counties to make policies on school feeding programmes to enable children from vulnerable families to attend and remain in school.
By Benedict Ngetich
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