Bajura's Mid-Day Meal Program Boosts School Attendance and Learning

November 16, 2023, Bajura - The mid-day meal program implemented in the schools of Bajura has shown remarkable effectiveness in recent times. The initiative, aimed at encouraging regular school attendance, has been particularly successful in drawing children who previously missed school.

Positive Impact on Students

Kiran Rokaya, a student at Budhinanda Municipality-9's Siddheshwari Basic School, shared his experience, noting that the provision of lunch at school has resolved his challenge of going home for meals. "Now that lunch is served at school, I have been able to study all subjects well," he said, highlighting the program's impact on his academic performance.

Reducing School Dropouts

Prior to the introduction of the mid-day meal program, many children in Bajura would leave school due to hunger, resulting in high dropout rates. However, with the combined financial support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the Government of Nepal and the World Food Program, this trend has reversed. The program is now operational in 239 schools across Bajura.

Increased Student Enrollment

Tula Bahadur Rawat, a teacher at Siddheshwari Basic School, observed a significant increase in student numbers since the introduction of the nutritious lunch program. "This midday meal program has greatly motivated even the youngest children to come to school," he said.

Enhanced Learning and Behavior

The regular attendance encouraged by the mid-day meals has not only improved students' education but also their overall behavior. Teacher Rawat noted, "Children's education has improved as they now attend all classes with the hope of getting lunch at school."

Funding and Implementation Details

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the Government of Nepal has allocated funds for the program, which are managed by the municipality. Each child receives support at the rate of 15 rupees, enabling schools to provide meals including biscuits, meat chips, and fruits. The World Food Program has also been instrumental in this initiative, extending its reach to numerous schools across seven local bodies in Bajura.

Ensuring Food Security and Education

The Education Development and Coordinating Unit Bajura plays a crucial role in the program's implementation, offering 112 grams of food grains per student in participating schools and 15 rupees per day in others. Hark Bahadur Singh, the unit's chief, expressed satisfaction with the program's success, noting the re-enrollment of children who had previously left school.

In total, Bajura has 237 community and 30 private schools, all benefiting from this initiative, as stated by the Coordinator of Education Development and Coordination Unit Bajura. This program exemplifies a successful integration of nutritional support and educational incentives, significantly enhancing the quality of life and learning for children in Bajura.