FILE PHOTO | NMG
After extending the school holiday calendar for an additional one month, Kenyans are waiting for the ultimate announcement by the Ministry of Education on reopening of learning institutions and the national examination calendar.
The health, social and economic realities of the pandemic will, for sure, come to the fore as gates to learning institutions are unlocked to receive learners back after a Covid-19 induced academic calendar interruption.
Children greatly bear the brunt of crises as they bring forth education financing concerns; immense susceptibility to violence, sexual abuse and predation, child malnutrition and forced labour; lost learning time and resources; loss of life and childhood and possible drop outs.
In the absence of a robust school meal programmes for the younger disadvantaged children, education attainment will be compromised.
According to The National School Meals and Nutrition Strategy 2017-2022, school meals have a significant positive effect on education indicators, reduces hunger and enhances nutritional intake.
