No Schooling Child Should Go Hungry, Mr President

by Nhlanhla Moshomo (Media and Comms Intern)

The President’s address on the National Strategy for Children reaffirmed a truth we can no longer afford to overlook; A nation’s future is built on the well-being of its children. The Feed Our Kids movement stands at the heart of this mission, advocating for a sustainable, effective approach to school feeding programmes in South Africa.?

As Feed Our Kids, we advocate for the betterment of the lives of our children. Hlengani Associates founded this movement to provide a voice for provision and access to nutritious food. We believe our children should be fed with healthy food.??

We have been calling on government to implement a centralised system to halt corruption happening around NSNP and to make sure our children are well fed at schools. For it is proven they are encouraged to go to school based on access to these meals.?

Poverty is not just an issue of food; it’s an issue of education, economic potential, and national progress. According to UNICEF, The NSNP provides lunch to?over 9 million?learners every day in basic education level.?

Whilst the government’s commitment to child nutrition must go beyond intent and translate into policy shifts that ensure consistency, high-quality, and corruption-free meal provision. Reaffirmed by president in his words.?

?“Last year, we signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, which is pivotal for ensuring that education is accessible and inclusive for all South Africans”. said Ramaphosa in his address.?

As Feed Our Kids, we support the President’s call for systemic change, but we need more actions than words. The Department of Basic Education must take decisive steps to reform the NSNP.?

• Implement standardised nutrition guidelines to ensure every child gets a healthy, balanced meal.?

• Adopt centralised procurement and monitoring systems to eliminate inefficiencies and halt corruption.?

• Commit to transparency to restore public confidence in this programme.?

This programme is important as an inadequate system not only starves children today, but robs us of future leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs. The fight against child hunger is a fight for our future and national development. It’s time to align policy with action and ensure that no child in South Africa is left behind. The call for Feed Our Kids is not just a slogan; it’s the issue of national interest.?

Sign the petition now and help us support our future leaders: chng.it/9vzRJP9cKN?

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