By Saskia Warrick
October 30, 2024
The School Feeding Program in Guyana is playing a significant role in improving school attendance and punctuality, especially at the Nursery and Primary levels.
With an expansion of services, the program now includes all Nursery Schools and is reaching approximately 126,000 students across the country.
The Ministry of Education, recognizing the impact of the initiative, moved beyond the initial biscuit and juice offering to introduce a comprehensive Breakfast Program along the coastland and a Hot Meal Program in the Hinterland.
These changes have contributed to increased student attendance and overall engagement in the classroom.
Whentwort Tanner, Director of the School Feeding & Distribution Services, explained that these interventions have been a driving force behind higher school attendance.
He also mentioned that the only challenge encountered has been the inconsistent availability of goods in the hinterland, due to fluctuating market prices.
However, efforts have been made to address this challenge, ensuring that meals continue to reach students across the country.
The program also serves as a crucial source of income for over 1,300 Guyanese, including caterers, fruit farmers, and factory workers, further boosting the local economy.
As the government continues its efforts to advance education and ensure equal access to quality learning for every child, the school feeding initiative remains a cornerstone in promoting both student well-being and educational outcomes.