Over 12 schools in the arid area of Mbeti South Ward in Mbeere South Constituency, Embu County, got shot in the arm following a donation of assorted foodstuffs from gaming company Paka Kumi.
The consignment, including maize, rice, beans and cooking oil, came as a relief for the school feeding programme after the total failure of the short-rainy crops in the area.
The company’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Humphrey Njiru, said their objective was to support the government’s effort towards the attainment of universal primary education and education for all.
He said through the initiative dubbed “education support programme”, the firm has been able to support public schools, especially in marginalised areas, in the provision of meals that have helped to increase enrolment and retention rates.
“We are augmenting what the government is doing in its policy of 100 per cent transition,” he said while overseeing the distribution of foodstuffs at St. Luke’s School for the Deaf on Thursday.
Rianguo Primary School Deputy Headteacher, Edita Njagi, said the help was a godsend after the programme implemented through support from parents faced challenges following the failure of the short rain crops.
“We have had a poor harvest during the short rains that has led to food insecurity and economic hardships for households in this zone,” she stated.
She said the situation could lead to poor education outcomes for learners if they do not get proper meals with good nutrition and called on other well-wishers to come on board.
Area Chief Ronald Njue hailed the programme and called for its continuity and more players to supplement the government’s effort to ensure children are able to achieve their education goals.
By Samuel Waititu