On 15 March 2019, the Government of Rwanda  celebrated the 4th edition of African Day of School Feeding. This is  a way of recognizing the importance of school feeding programmes as a strategy to reduce social vulnerability, increase school participation and mitigate the effects of hunger on learning and educational achievements.

The 2019 African Day of School Feeding theme is “Investing in Home Grown School Feeding for achieving zero hunger, Sustaining Inclusive Education for all Including Refugees, returnees and Displaced Person in Africa”/ “Dushyire imbaraga mu kugaburira abanyeshuri dukoresha ibyera iwacu tuzarandura inzara, tugire uburezi burambye kandi  budaheza hatibagiranye impunzi, abatahuka n’abakuwe mu byabo”.

Honourable Minister of Education  Dr. Eugene Mutimura graced the celebrations in Kirehe District, Mahama sector at GS Paysannat L in  Mahama sector , in Kirehe District,  Eastern Province.

In his message , the Minister of Education called upon parents to contribute more to the school feeding programme . “ Remember , with your contributions to this initiative you  lift up our education" .

Celebrations were extended to school levels where other ministry's officials, local leaders, parents and students took part in planned activities.

The Minister of  State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education Dr. Isaac Munyakazi joined  Gicumbi district , Kageyo sector residents in the celebrations. The gathering took place at GS Kageyo , a school that is near Gihembe refugee camp .

Dr. Munyakazi emphasized on the role of parents in the improvement of the homegrown School Feeding Program. " The major responsiblity to give mid day meals to learners lies in the hands of parents" he said 

 Countrywide, celebrations were  characterized by discussions on the importance of the school feeding programme, its impact, challenges and strategies for improvement. A school garden -including fruit trees and vegetables was prepared at each school to emphasize on the role of the initiative and on ways to improve it. A lunch including milk was served to all students.

 Back in 2016, African Union Head of  States and Government declared the 1st March as African Day of School Feeding.  Serving meals at school level is a strategy to enhance school access, retention and performance of children. The initiative is also a way to boost income generation and entrepreneurship in local communities.

At Continent level, the 4th African Day of School Feeding was celebrated on 1st March 2019 in Abidjan/ Cote d’Ivoire.

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