School feeding programme boosts attendance in Lalmonirhat primary schools

The introduction of a midday meal programme at government primary schools has increased children's interest in attending classes in Lalmonirhat.

The free school-feeding programme, launched in Patgram and Kaliganj Upazilas on Dec 1 last year, provides nutritious food to students on school days.

According to data from the district primary education office, 25,356 students at 145 schools in Patgram and 22,044 students at 162 schools in Kaliganj are receiving the meals.

Under the programme, students are provided with fresh bread rolls, bananas, boiled eggs, milk and fortified biscuits five days a week, according to their nutritional needs.

Students and teachers said children from poorer families are benefiting particularly from the programme.

Many students are now attending school more regularly because they are assured of getting food there, they said, adding that classroom attendance has also increased.

Ambia Khatun, head teacher of Panditpara Government Primary School in Kaliganj, said children previously had to attend classes while hungry for long periods, which made them reluctant to come to school.

“Now that they receive quality fresh bread, eggs, milk and bananas, attendance has increased significantly. As they are no longer hungry, the children can also concentrate better in class,” she said.

Israt Jahan, a Class IV student at Munsitairy Government Primary School in Patgram, said it was difficult to sit through classes when she felt hungry.

“Now I get food at school every day. My stomach stays full, so I can finish all my classes happily,” she said.

Eco Social Development Foundation (ESDF) is responsible for providing technical support for the programme and overseeing food supplies.

Ashak Ahmed Jebal, general manager of ESDF's school-feeding project, said the organisation regularly monitors the programme in line with government guidelines to ensure children receive proper and quality nutritious food.

Khalilur Rahman, owner of Al Madina Bakery and Confectionery, which supplies the bread rolls, said the company has its own food technologist and laboratory.

The bread is sent to schools only after being tested for quality each day, he said.

Abdul Hamid Sarker, Patgram's Upazila primary education officer, said attendance has remained positive even during the monsoon and other adverse weather as students are assured of nutritious food during school breaks.

“The variety of food acts as a major catalyst for bringing children to school, which will also help prevent dropout from primary education,” he said.

Abeda Khatun, Kaliganj's Upazila primary education officer, said attendance at schools had increased since the school-feeding programme began.

She said committees had been formed to ensure the programme was being properly implemented and that officials were regularly monitoring schools.

“Alongside providing nutritious food, the programme is also playing a positive role in bringing children to school. The number of students and attendance at our primary schools are increasing day by day,” she said.