Sindh to offer free meals to school students

The Sindh government has unveiled a plan to offer complimentary lunches to students attending government schools, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP).

The initiative is designed to combat malnutrition and enhance food security for children within the province.

In a recent meeting between Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah and WFP Country Director Koko Oshima, the critical need to address malnutrition and food-related challenges in educational institutions was underscored.

Minister Shah noted that many parents, constrained by financial limitations and demographic pressures, struggle to provide their children with nutritious meals, which negatively impacts their educational experience. He emphasized that the program would target regions where poverty and food insecurity are most acute.

Additionally, he pointed out that the provision of regular meals in schools would likely lead to increased attendance and a decrease in dropout rates. This initiative would also motivate families who typically send their children to work to prioritize their education instead.

Oshima stressed the significance of the program, stating that adequate nutrition is vital for children's cognitive development and memory, thereby enhancing their learning capabilities.

She further remarked that proper nutrition strengthens immunity, enabling children to remain healthier and more resistant to illnesses.