By Wongani Mkandawire

Nkhotakota, March 11, Mana: The World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education on Tuesday launched a three-year Home-Grown School Feeding Program in Nkhotakota District with support from the Government of Iceland.

Speaking during the launch at Nkhotakota LEA primary school, WFP's Acting Country Director, Simon Dehnere, said the project aims at ensuring that primary school learners have nutritious and diversified diets throughout the academic year. He said this has been done to create opportunities for farmers surrounding the schools and promote sustainable practices by using locally grown food and clean energy solutions.

Head of Mission for the Embassy of Iceland, David Bjarnason, said his government will continue supporting the education sector in the country adding that the program will motivate the learners to stay in school whilst improving their nutritional status.

Speaking at the same function, Deputy Director for School Health, Nutrition, HIV and AIDS in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Maureen Maguza Tembo commended government of Iceland for supporting the program saying it will improve quality education in the district.

Nkhotakota District Council Chairperson, Councilor Charles Chimzukuzuku, said this is a welcome program and commended Iceland embassy’s commitment in the development of basic services in the district.

The program with a total budget of MK3 billion is targeting 10 primary schools including Nkhotakota LEA - a facility dedicated for learners with special needs in the district.