Isiolo, Kenya| In a transformative move to enhance early childhood education, the Isiolo County Government has launched a fortified porridge feeding program aimed at benefiting more than 13,000 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners across the county’s ten wards.
The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan’s administration, is designed to improve school enrolment, retention, and concentration among young learners by ensuring they receive a daily nutritious meal.
Addressing Malnutrition and Learning Challenges
Isiolo County faces significant challenges related to child nutrition, with many young learners attending school on empty stomachs.
This lack of adequate nutrition hampers their ability to focus and engage in academic activities effectively.
To tackle this issue, the county government is now supplying highly nutritious fortified porridge to all 168 ECDE centers, ensuring that children have the energy and nourishment required for their cognitive and physical development.
The feeding program is expected to be a game-changer in the county’s education sector, as it seeks to reduce absenteeism, boost school attendance, and promote overall well-being among children.
By providing a consistent source of nutrition, the program also aims to alleviate some of the socioeconomic burdens on families struggling to provide adequate meals for their children.
Government Commitment to Sustainability
During a recent monitoring visit to Mwangaza ECDE Centre, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance and Economic Planning, Abdulah Banticha, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to sustaining and expanding the initiative.
“We are under firm instructions from Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan to improve ECDE enrolment and retention through this feeding program, increase the number of ECDE centers, and recruit more ECDE teachers at the ward level,” Mr. Banticha stated.
He emphasized that the program is not a one-time intervention but a long-term commitment, with funds allocated in the county’s annual budget to ensure its continuity.
The official launch of the program took place earlier this week at the Isiolo Police Mess compound, led by County Secretary Dadhe Boru.
He underscored that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen early childhood education in Isiolo and provide a solid foundation for young learners.
“The administration of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan has taken this initiative to distribute fortified porridge flour to all ECDE centers in Isiolo to ensure that school-going children receive nutritious meals,” Mr. Boru remarked.
He assured that the current consignment of porridge flour is sufficient to sustain learners for the next six months, reinforcing the county’s commitment to continuity.
Stakeholder Support and Positive Reception
The initiative has been widely welcomed by education stakeholders, including ECDE coordinators from various sub-counties such as Chari, Cherab, and Wabera.
They praised Governor Hassan’s administration for prioritizing the welfare of young learners and addressing a critical barrier to education.
“This program is a game-changer for our ECDE learners. It not only ensures they remain in school but also contributes to their physical and mental well-being,” noted one of the coordinators.
With the launch of the feeding program, Governor Hassan’s administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening the ECDE sector in Isiolo.
Beyond the feeding initiative, plans are underway to increase the number of ECDE centers and recruit additional teachers at the ward level.
These measures align with the broader goal of fortifying early childhood education and ensuring that every child in Isiolo has access to quality learning opportunities.
A Step Towards a Brighter Future
The Isiolo ECDE feeding program represents more than just a nutritional intervention—it is a strategic investment in the county’s future.
By ensuring that young learners receive adequate nutrition, the initiative lays the foundation for improved academic performance, better health outcomes, and long-term socioeconomic development.
As the program unfolds, its impact will be closely monitored, with the county government and education stakeholders working together to refine and expand its reach.
Read More| Isiolo County Develops Comprehensive Five-Year Nutrition Action Plan
For thousands of young learners in Isiolo, this initiative offers a renewed hope for a healthier, more productive educational journey.
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