School Feeding Project Boosts Enrolment, Curbs Child Labour in Malawi
In the second year, communities mobilize their resources from income-generating activities to continue the feeding program.
DOWA, Malawi— A school feeding initiative by the Centre for Youth Empowerment and Civic Education (CYECE) has registered successes in improving enrolment and curbing child labour in tobacco-growing communities across four districts in Malawi, according to a field officer, writes Vincent Gunde.
The project, implemented alongside partners Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company and Alliance One International Tobacco Company with funding from Philip Morris International (PMI), targets children of farmers contracted by the two tobacco firms in Mchinji, Kasungu, Ntchisi and Dowa districts.
"The project has led to increased awareness among teachers, children, farmers and chiefs on child labour related issues and children's idleness after school hours," said CYECE Field Officer Given Muyota.
"It has improved the pass rate amongst learners, reduced absenteeism caused by lack of food, improved attendance during lean periods and improved talents and skills among learners in sports and recreation."
Muyota noted that while the initiative has been successful, challenges remain, including securing recommended land sizes within school campuses for growing crops to sustain the feeding program.
To overcome the obstacles, the project has negotiated with targeted schools to secure nearby land for easier supervision, conducted financial training for budgeting and record-keeping, and raised awareness among community members about the project's objectives.
Muyota said the project supports schools with vitamin-enriched meals, especially during the tobacco-growing and hunger season from September to April when tobacco sales commence at auction floors.
In the second year, communities mobilize their resources from income-generating activities to continue the feeding program.