Students' presence increases because of school feeding programme

Students' attendance in primary schools has increased significantly after the launch of the government school feeding programme in Rajshahi division.

The regular supply of nutritious food including eggs, bananas, milk and bread has led to positive changes in both the health development of children and their attention to education.

Locals of Satarshiya village in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj district said that this initiative is timely and very necessary. According to them, if this programme is implemented in the long term, malnutrition of children in rural areas will be reduced to a great extent and a healthy generation will be developed.

A local guardian said that earlier many children did not come to school regularly or could not pay proper attention in class. Now, due to the food they are coming to school regularly and their interest in studies has also increased.

A school teacher said that a large part of the daily nutritional needs of students is being met through the school feeding programme. As a result, not only attendance but also attention in lessons and participation in the classroom have increased.

Nutritionists say that a balanced diet is very important for the proper physical and mental development of children. Eggs contain high-quality protein and brain-building ingredients, milk strengthens bones and teeth, bananas act as a quick source of energy, and bread meets the daily carbohydrate needs. Children's immunity also increases if they eat these foods regularly.

Md. Saiful Islam said that after the school feeding programme was launched, the number of students in the district has increased by about 10,000. According to him, as a result of this programme, malnutrition problems in children are decreasing and regular attendance at school is being ensured.

However, he also highlighted some challenges. According to him, since many schools do not have offices, teachers are being given the responsibility of feeding management, which is creating some pressure on the educational programme. He also opined that there should be a separate monitoring system to control the quality of the food supplied.

Educationists believe that the school feeding programme will not only help students to go to school, but will also play an important role in the development of the country's human resources in the long run. If children get nutritious food regularly, not only will their physical growth be ensured, but their quality of education will also improve.