FCT Stakeholders Brainstorm, Full Implementation of the School Feeding Program

By Genesis ogiri 

 FCT Stakeholders Brainstorm strategies for the full and successful implementation of the school feeding program in the FCT, emphasizing community participation and corporate partnerships.

Attendees are Representatives from the FCT Education Secretariat, FCT Health Secretariat, FCT Agriculture Secretariat, government functionariies, school Headmasters, PTA representatives, community leaders, NGOs, corporate organizations (food companies, agricultural businesses, logistics firms), and parents

A comprehensive action plan outlining strategies for the full implementation of the school feeding program in the FCT, with a strong emphasis on community participation and successful corporate partnerships, ensuring long-term sustainability and improved nutritional outcomes for students. 

FCT School feeding program Manager, Mr. Kudu Dangana has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its continued interest in the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme for primary schools (NHGSFP)

Mr. Kudu Dangana  disclosed this during a Town Hall stakeholders interactive session  held in Abuja on Tuesday.

He stated that the Stakeholders meeting will  help determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the program in delivering nutritious meals to schoolchildren and to employ community participation as part of implementation 

Mr. Dangana pledge his unwavering loyalty and commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of this program across all six area councils. This will be achieved through robust engagement and leveraging the strengths and resources of each local community."

Meanwhile, the breakdown of how these programs can be optimized for better outcomes, particularly in terms of engagement with local communities and stakeholders:

The event highlighted the Local Sourcing. Encouraging the use of locally grown foods can reduce costs and support local economies. This can lead to fresher meal options that are culturally appropriate for the students 

Community Engagement and Participatory Approaches Involve local communities in the planning and decision-making processes for the feeding programs. This ensures that the menus reflect the cultural preferences and dietary needs of the students.

 Feedback Mechanisms. Establish channels for parents, students, and teachers to provide input on the program. This could include surveys or community meetings to assess satisfaction and areas for improvement.

Collaboration with Stakeholders,  Partnerships with Local Farmers, Create partnerships with local agricultural producers to secure fresh ingredients, thus contributing to both the nutritional quality of meals and local economic sustainability.

Engagement with NGOs and Health Agencies . Collaborate with non-governmental organizations and health agencies to align the feeding programs with broader health and education initiatives, ensuring a holistic support system for the students.

Cultural Appropriateness, Menu Development.  Design menus that take into account local dietary customs and food preferences. This not only increases acceptance among students but also promotes the consumption of nutritious foods.

 Education and Awareness: Include educational components that teach students about nutrition and the importance of local foods, helping to foster a connection between their health, their community, and their cultural heritage.

Sustainability Focus, Stakeholders move for  sustainable practices, such as reducing food waste and using eco-friendly packaging. Promote garden programs in schools to grow food and educate students about sustainable agricultural practices.

  In  Conclusion, the Stakeholders Advocate that School feeding programs can be significantly more effective and sustainable when they are designed with input from local communities and stakeholders. By focusing on cultural appropriateness, engaging local producers, and implementing cost-effective practices, these programs can yield substantial benefits for students, their families, and the broader community. Continuous evaluation and adaptation are vital to ensure responsiveness to the evolving needs and preferences of those they serve.




Popular posts from this blog

Barrister Fati Abubakar Garba, Bags Honorary Doctorate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA

NPF’s Ayuba Sunday Bags Peace Fellowship Award

Prof. Chukwuneke Jeremiah Inducted as NIWE Fellow, Reaffirms Mentorship Mandate