Devki Group of Companies through its subsidiary National Cement Company Limited has launched a school feeding programme targeting 7000 learners in Kilifi and Kwale Counties to ensure Student retention.
Learners in selected 12 Primary Schools in the two coastal counties will be receiving lunch for free throughout the year.
“Through Devki Charitable Trust Feeding Programme, we have taken all the nearby schools that may or may not be directly affected by the mining and plant operations,” said Devki Group Administrator Peter Paul during the distribution of food in Rabai Sub-County.
The programme will benefit 3000 and 4000 students in Kilifi and Kwale counties respectively.
Every term, food items worth Sh2.7m will be distributed to the schools. The initiative is part of the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Paul stated that the Group Chairman Narendra Naval has expressed his support and gratitude for the support the Group is receiving from its plants across the country.
“This should continue for every term but for this term, we have come with foodstuffs. Our supplier is here but for the next term, we will be issuing the cheques to individual schools that will be doing the procurement of foodstuffs,” stated Paul.
“Every week my office staff will come to verify the register and also to take photographs from the school management,” he added.
He encouraged the schools’ managements to uphold integrity in managing the procurement of the foodstuffs.
“They have to own this because it is benefiting their students. I would request not to charge the parents any payments for the school feeding programme,” he said.
He further assured the schools that the Group Chairman has affirmed his commitment to the continuity of the programme for perpetuity.
“We will not stop the school feeding programme; it will continuously happen throughout the year,” reiterated the Administrator.
Derrick Karisa, Deputy Head Teacher of M’mbongoni Primary School lauded the company for the comprehensive food programme saying it will go a long way in enhancing student retention.
“This is not the first time; we have had it before. It has significantly contributed to the attendance of learners in the school because the moment they find that there is something that can sustain them, we have regular attendance,” said Mr Karisa.
Karisa divulged that they have had incidents of poor concentration, especially in afternoon classes because of pangs of hunger when learners miss food during lunch break at home.
“As long as it is here it will sustain them, and we appreciate it, on the other hand, it will boost the performance as it will enhance concentration in class to the learners,” he said.
Another Head Teacher, Jackline Kanini of Maireni Comprehensive School said the programme has improved performance in national examinations and nutrition. She assured the company that they would be accountable for the food.
Joyce Kumbe, a parent said the food will ensure girls are in schools and are not lured by sexual predators for food because of poverty.
On her part, Assistant County Commissioner of Kambe-Rabai Division Susan Njerenga noted that the programme will bolster the 100 per cent transition in schools.
She urged parents to ensure that their children are in school and school management boards to ensure the learners are given the food.
“We will be monitoring,” said the ACC.
By Sadik Hassan
