Educating Impoverished Children in Kenya

 FOOD FOR EDUCATION.

 The effect of hunger on learning can be lifelong and cyclical. Food insecurity impairs academic development of young school-age children. Hungry children do more poorly in school and have lower academic achievement than food secure children because they are not well prepared for school and cannot concentrate.

 EFFECTS OF HUNGER AND DROUGHT IN EAST POKOT

East Pokot being one of the arid regions in Kenya, is commonly hit by severe drought and hunger periodically. School going children walk long distances, and hunger is among excuses parents have been using to stop them from attending school. a high number of children are suffering from chronic malnutrition due to poor feeding caused by food insecurity. According to a research by Hifadhi Africa, about 60% of children who had attained school-going age are not able to join school due to drought.

PROJECT’S FUNDS

Hifadhi Africa purchased a total of 540 kilograms of maize, 540 kilograms of beans and 300 kilograms of porridge flour from the funds received. These food stuffs were distributed to three primary schools and three ECD centers in East Pokot. Hifadhi Africa identified the most needy and affected schools as beneficiaries.

BENEFICIARIES.

The schools that benefited from this feeding program include: Nakoko Primary and ECD school, Natan Primary and ECD school and Napeikorei Primary and ECD school. Each school received 180 kilograms of maize, 180 kilograms of beans and 100 kilograms of porridge flour. The porridge flour was meant for ECD learners while maize and beans for the older students. A total of 600 students benefited from this school feeding program.

CONCLUSION

This school feeding program, food for education, has led to improved nutrition, school attendance, performance and higher high school transition rates.