Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners in Kagaari South Ward in Embu will enjoy free breakfast porridge to enhance school learning.
This is after the area MCA Susan Nyaga initiated a school feeding programme targeting to enhance retention levels in school and boost their concentration to improve performance.
The MCA noted that the programme will benefit 620 ECDE learners in all 15 centres in the ward and would last for two terms.
Speaking while launching the programme on Monday at Ugweri Primary School, where a total of 6 095 kilos of fortified porridge flour and sugar were distributed to the schools, she said the initiative would go a long way in giving the young ones, the majority of who are from vulnerable families, a lifeline.
“This is a programme I have been passionate about since 2014 when I was not in leadership and I felt I should implement it now that I have the platform to do so,” she said.
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Further, she noted that incentivising school-age children would reduce absenteeism and boost enrollment.
The development comes at a time when many families are experiencing major setbacks due to the rising cost of living that has decreased the purchasing power of many households.
On her part, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire promised to look into the welfare of ECDE teachers through promotion and employing more to reduce the student-teacher ratio.
She also announced that her administration would set aside Kes100 million for education bursary in the coming financial year to enable learners from not well-to-do families to continue their education smoothly.
