Africa-Press – Eswatini. Government has allocated about E49.3 million for the school feeding programme in its commitment to prioritise education.
This investment, according to Ministry of Education and Training acting Principal Secretary, Naniki Mnisi, underscores government’s dedication to providing essential meals to pupils across the country.
Mnisi said the procurement of food items had already commenced but made it known that the distribution process would be strategically delayed until schools officially reopen.
Explained
She explained that this decision aims to mitigate the risk of food loss, a recurring issue when supplies are distributed ahead of the academic year.
“We have experienced instances where food intended for vulnerable children, including those from orphaned or child-headed households, did not reach them due to misplacement,” expressed Mnisi, highlighting the crucial role of the feeding scheme in supporting pupils who rely on it as their primary source of nutrition during school hours.
“It is because of that problem that we saw it fit to start distributing once headteachers are also fully back in schools so the ministry can hold them accountable in case the food disappears,” said Mnisi.
She also addressed the ministry’s concern regarding top-up fees at primary schools, stating categorically that parents were not to be burdened with top-up fees, with the exception of three schools authorised by the minister (Malkerns, Mqolo and St Francis).
“Only the minister has the authority to grant a school the leeway to take top-up fees from parents and even then, it is supposed to be a reasonable figure, not the exorbitant fees we hear of,” she said.
Attempts
“Any attempts to levy unauthorised top-up fees are strongly discouraged, and parents are urged to report such instances,” Mnisi added, emphasising that the ministry was concerned about ensuring that education remained accessible and affordable for all families.
She also revealed that the ministry was currently paying free primary education grants to schools to ensure their effective running when they open.
“The ministry has made it a point that FPE grants are paid early so that schools aren’t affected and are able to run efficiently,” she stated, adding that books were also being packed in readiness for distribution
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