Mandera County launches feeding programme for ECDE learners in bid to boost education
The programme has seen a 28 per cent increase in enrolment of young learners from 23,499 in 2021 to 35,238 in 2024. Adan attributed this to the nutrition that learners are accessing through it.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, in partnership with the World Food Programme, has launched an Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) feeding programme that will see the county distribute 125 tonnes of Unimax porridge to 35,238 learners across its 355 ECDE centres.
Speaking at the launch Monday morning, Governor Adan underscored the importance of the programme, which emerged from the recommendations of an education taskforce report presented in October 2023.
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"My administration prioritises education as a cornerstone for social transformation to the people of Mandera. As such, I established an education taskforce in the first quarter of my tenure to identify key challenges in achieving quality education in ECDE, TVETs, and the Duksi-ECD integration programmes," said Adan.
According to the governor, one of the key findings of the taskforce was the urgent need to enhance the school feeding programme to support the nutritional well-being of young learners.
"Over the past two financial years, we have increased budgetary allocations for this programme, significantly improving the nutritional status of our learners and boosting ECDE learning outcomes," noted Adan.
The programme has seen a 28 per cent increase in enrolment of young learners from 23,499 in 2021 to 35,238 in 2024. Adan attributed this to the nutrition that learners are accessing through it.
"This year, the ECDE department will distribute 125 tonnes of Unimax porridge to centres across the county to ensure our learners receive the nutrition they need to thrive," he said.
The governor also recognised the invaluable contribution of partners like the World Food Programme in supporting the county's efforts.
"We have also partnered with development organisations, particularly the World Food Programme, to deliver quality school meals countywide," he said, expressing gratitude for their collaboration in achieving shared goals.
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