By Gloria Asante Mvula

Mchinji, December 12, Mana: Learners in primary schools across Mchinji have called on the government to introduce school feeding programme to combat child hunger and malnutrition in the district.

The appeal was made during a nutrition dialogue held on Wednesday by World Vision Malawi (WVM) under the ENOUGH Project.

The project, launched earlier this year, aims to address food insecurity and malnutrition and the recent dialogue focused on the Bua-Mtete Programme Area.

Speaking in an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), on behalf of other learners, Anita Mtimawina, a learner at Choumba Primary School, highlighted the struggles faced by many learners who attend school on empty stomach.

“We often go to school without eating anything in the morning. This causes fellow learners not to concentrate during lessons, and some even skip classes to search for mangoes during the mango season.

“This affects our academic performance that is why I am asking the government and non-governmental organisations to introduce school feeding programmes in Mchinji to tackle malnutrition and improve attendance,” she said.

Mchinji World Vision Program Manager, Mereena John, emphasised the importance of the dialogue in raising awareness about nutrition among learners.

“Children are at the centre of our programmes. These dialogues aim to educate primary school learners on the importance of nutrition and the benefits of a balanced diet. It is important to know how the learners feel about the importance of good nutrition,” said John.

The ENOUGH Project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to end hunger and ensure food security globally.