Pupils from financially challenged backgrounds have a reason to smile after the community development initiatives of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) officially launched a feeding programme worth Sh40 million to help hundreds of children concentrate in class, boosting their academic performance.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the mega feeding project at Highlands Primary School in Kericho town, Nishkam Group of Charitable Organizations officer Mr. Habal Ahluwalia pointed out that over 200 pupils selected from the school will benefit from the feeding program.
Ahluwalia was pleased to mention that the project also involved the construction of a state of the art dining hall and a modern kitchen at the school for the efficiency and effectiveness of the provision of a balanced diet to the pupils.
He said parents to most of the children in the school were from the marginalized Nubian community, the orphans, the single-parent, those whose parents are imprisoned, and those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
“These parents can hardly afford a meal per day which is insufficient for the development of their bodies which is essential for them to perform better academically.” Said Ahluwalia
Ahluwalia further mentioned that the well-wishers’ passion was to see children faring well academically in a conducive and comfortable environment and promised to continue enhancing the project to accommodate more pupils.
“I am hoping to increase the number of students benefiting from the programme from 200 to 500 in the near future.” Said Habal Ahluwalia.
Meanwhile, the Kisumu Zone United Nations Children’s Fund Chief Officer Wangui Karanja who also graced the occasion said UNICEF was determined to help children access education, retention, and transition which is essential.
“We want to make sure that this is an integrated school feeding programme and I call on the county government to chip in by providing support and resources to feed the needy children” added Wangui.
Also in attendance was the Kericho East Sub County Director Omari Mokaya who welcomed the gesture by the well-wishers in promoting the welfare of the needy pupils.
By Kibe Mburu and Melvine Chepngetich
