The Sindh government, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), has launched an initiative to offer free lunches to students in government schools across the province.
The program is designed to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity, addressing the challenges faced by children in the region.
During a meeting between Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah and WFP Country Director Koko Oshima, the need to address malnutrition in schools was discussed.
Shah explained that financial constraints and high poverty levels prevent many families from providing nutritious meals to their children, impacting their ability to learn effectively.
He highlighted that the initiative would focus on areas where poverty and food insecurity are most prevalent.
The programme aims to improve school attendance, reduce dropout rates, and encourage families to prioritize education over sending children to work.
Oshima emphasized the role of balanced nutrition in enhancing children’s cognitive development, memory, and overall health.
The first phase of the program will begin in Karachi’s Malir district, with 11,000 children set to receive “hot meal lunch boxes.”
A baseline survey will be conducted in the surrounding schools to assess needs. If successful, the program will expand to other cities in Sindh, ensuring effective monitoring of meal distribution.
This initiative aims to improve both the nutritional and educational outcomes for children, contributing to healthier, more successful futures.
