Approximately 300 people were on hand as local officials launched the first Gorongosa Project School Feeding program at the EPC de Bebedo school in October.
Program managers agree healthy eating is critical for student retention and focusing in the classroom. Making sure students are fed and receive a nutritious meal is expected to reduce absenteeism and gender inequality, and increase student enrollment.
People who attended the event were given a chance to taste a variety of nutritious porridges.
Parents and guardians joined their schoolchildren as local leadership and district government representatives opened the event with a reception and a meeting to learn more about the program. Community leaders acknowleged the importance of keeping girls in school and recognized the obstacles female students must overcome to reach their dreams. They also called for Gorongosa Park to expand the program to other schools, and encouraged parents and guardians to enroll their children for the next academic year.
