Devki Group of Companies, through its subsidiary National Cement Company Limited, has launched a school feeding programme targeting 7,000 learners in Kilifi and Kwale counties to ensure student retention.
Learners in 12 selected primary schools in the two coastal counties will receive lunch at no cost to parents throughout the year.
“Through the Devki Charitable Trust Feeding Programme, we have included all the nearby schools that may or may not be directly affected by the mining and plant operations,” said Devki Group Administrator Peter Paul during the distribution of food in Rabai Sub-County.
The programme will benefit 3,000 and 4,000 students in Kilifi and Kwale counties, respectively.
Every term, food items worth Sh 5 million will be distributed to the schools. The initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Paul stated that the Group Chairman Narendra Naval has expressed his support and gratitude for the assistance the Group is receiving from its plants across the country.
“This should continue for every term, but for this term, we have provided foodstuffs. Our supplier is here, but for the next term, we will be issuing cheques to individual schools for them to procure foodstuffs,” stated Paul.
“Every week, my office staff will come to verify the register and take photographs for the school management,” he added.
He encouraged the school management to uphold integrity in the procurement of the foodstuffs.
“They must take ownership of this because it benefits their students. I would request that parents are not charged any fees for the school feeding programme,” he said.
He further assured the schools that the Group Chairman has affirmed his commitment to the continuity of the programme indefinitely.
“We will not stop the school feeding programme; it will continue throughout the year,” reiterated the Administrator.
Derrick Karisa, Deputy Head Teacher of M’mbongoni Primary School, lauded the company for the comprehensive food programme, saying it will significantly enhance student retention.
“This is not the first time; we have had this before. It has significantly contributed to the attendance of learners in the school because when they know there is something to sustain them, we see regular attendance,” said Mr Karisa.
Karisa divulged that they have experienced incidents of poor concentration, especially in afternoon classes, due to hunger pangs when learners miss food during lunch breaks at home.
“As long as this programme continues, it will sustain them, and we appreciate it. Additionally, it will boost performance by enhancing concentration in class for the learners,” he said.
Another Head Teacher, Jackline Kanini of Maireni Comprehensive School, stated that the programme has improved performance in national examinations and nutrition. She assured the company that they would be accountable for the food.
Joyce Kumbe, a parent, noted that the food will ensure girls remain in school and are not lured by sexual predators for food due to poverty.
For her part, Assistant County Commissioner of Kambe-Rabai Division, Susan Njerenga, remarked that the programme will support the 100 per cent transition of students in schools.
She urged parents to ensure their children are in school and for school management to ensure the learners receive the food. “We will be monitoring,” said the ACC.
