Education partners launch school feeding management system
Significant milestone
The school feeding programme covers more than 80% of primary and combined schools, providing nourishment to over 400 000 learners.
To address malnutrition and its impact on the academic output of learners, the education ministry in partnership with the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) launched the Namibia School Feeding Information Management System (NaSIS).The system aims to improve the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the Namibian School Feeding Programme (NSFP) by digitising the tracking of food distribution and consumption in schools.
Implemented across 1 500 schools, NaSIS marks a significant milestone in effectively managing the school feeding programme, which covers more than 80% of primary and combined schools, providing nourishment to over 400 000 learners.
The successful completion and deployment of the first instalment of NaSIS within the government's infrastructure was confirmed by WFP head of programme, Daison Ngirazi.
Enhancing management
The second phase will focus on enhancing the system by tracking school attendance, introducing electronic meal vouchers, integrating with the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, and improving business intelligence. This comprehensive approach aims to streamline the management of the school feeding programme and ensure its efficiency.
Deputy minister of education Faustina Caley emphasised government's commitment to the Namibian School Feeding Programme as a vital safety net against hunger.
"This contributes to improved school participation in terms of enrolment and attendance, as well as learning achievement and cognitive development," Caley said.
She urged beneficiaries to utilise the NaSIS system effectively by regularly and accurately capturing all relevant information, thus enhancing coordination and data management efficiency.
Teamwork
The development of NaSIS was made possible through collaboration between the education ministry and the WFP, with technical support from iMarketing consultants.
Khomas Governor Laura McLeod Katjirua said challenges remain, pointing out issues such as lack of parental support, inadequate storage facilities, delayed distribution of maize blends and student absenteeism as areas requiring attention and improvement.
By implementing the NaSIS system, the education ministry and its partners aim to address these challenges more effectively.
"Provision of a classroom does not ensure quality education. As much as we provide the physical aspect, the nutritional and physiological part is just as important," concluded the ministry’s deputy executive director, Knox Imbuwa.