School canteens in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a step towards inclusive education and student nutrition
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has embarked on the establishment of a national school feeding program, with the aim of strengthening free primary education and improving the quality of education. This program, initiated by President Félix Tshisekedi and presented by the Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education (EPST), Tony Mwaba, aims to establish school canteens in public schools.
The establishment of school canteens will make it possible to meet the nutritional needs of students, reduce the school dropout rate and improve academic results. Indeed, a healthy and balanced diet is essential to promote students’ concentration and learning abilities. By providing regular meals to children, the Congolese government is committed to guaranteeing their well-being and development.
The implementation of this program will be done gradually. A pilot phase began in five educational provinces of the city of Kinshasa, with the participation of 6,643 students distributed in 11 selected schools. This selection was made taking into account criteria such as geographical location and the size of the school. This approach makes it possible to test the effectiveness of the program in different contexts in order to learn lessons for future expansion.
The government plans to define the methodology for the operationalization of school canteens by 2024. During this period, around ten pilot schools will be chosen, with emphasis on those located in disadvantaged areas. This approach aims to ensure that the most vulnerable children can benefit from adequate nutrition for their education.
The establishment of school canteens in the DRC is an important step towards inclusive and quality education. By providing meals to students, the government helps reduce social inequalities by guaranteeing access to education for all, regardless of their socio-economic origin. In addition, it promotes the health of children, helping to fight malnutrition and improve their living conditions.
This national school feeding program is part of President Félix Tshisekedi’s vision to transform the Congolese education system and give children the best tools to build their future. By investing in the education and nutrition of students, the DRC is positioning itself to promote the country’s economic and social development in the long term.
In conclusion, the establishment of school canteens in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a promising initiative which aims to improve the education and nutrition of students.. By ensuring equitable access to a healthy and balanced diet, the Congolese government contributes to creating conditions conducive to learning and academic success. This approach marks significant progress in the fight against social inequalities and malnutrition, and brings a glimmer of hope for future generations in the DRC.