The Vital Role of School Meals in Children's Education.

For the past three years, I have had the privilege of covering meals in schools for Cottonon foundation across Sourthen Uganda, and in that time, I have come to realize just how essential school meals are to children's education. Meals are not merely a break from studies, they are a vital part of the learning process. A well balanced meal provides the necessary nutrients that help children stay focused, energized, and ready to learn.

Unfortunately, many schools in Uganda still do not provide lunch for students. This lack of proper nutrition often leaves young learners struggling to concentrate in class. Without a midday meal, children can feel fatigued, irritable, and unable to absorb the lessons being taught. This nutritional gap is one of the key factors contributing to low academic performance and high dropout rates.

Ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals in school is not just a matter of their well-being but also an investment in their education and future. It's time to recognize the importance of meals in the learning environment and make them a priority in every school across Uganda.

Primary one pupils at Ntebe za Dungu a COF supported school in southern Uganda wait for breakfast.