Minister of Education Visits Semonkong to Monitor Progress of School Feeding Programme
The Minister of Education and Training (MoET), Professor Ntoi Rapapa, visited Semonkong today to assess the progress of the school feeding programme, known as the Bokamoso Ba Bana Project – 3B. The initiative, headed by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) with support from the US Embassy Lesotho, aims to improve the nutritional status of children in hard-to-reach areas.
The visit began at the Food Management Unit (FMU), where food commodities are stored, followed by a courtesy call on the Chief of Ha Leloko Semonkong. The Minister also toured Samuel Primary School to witness firsthand the impact of the programme on local students.
In his address at the FMU, Professor Rapapa expressed his gratitude to CRS for their continued support in providing nutritional assistance to schools in underserved communities. He highlighted the importance of the programme in addressing malnutrition and stunting, which had been prevalent in these areas prior to the project’s implementation. “Since the launch of this initiative, there is renewed hope that the issue of stunting, which was widespread in these communities, will be effectively tackled,” said Rapapa.
Professor Rapapa also emphasized the role of local stakeholders in ensuring the success of the programme. He appealed to the FMU, Area Chiefs, Community Councilors, and teachers to work collaboratively and ensure that the food commodities are used as intended to improve children’s nutritional status.
The Bokamoso Ba Bana Project – 3B is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Education and Training, in partnership with CRS and the US Embassy, to address child nutrition and enhance the educational outcomes of children across Lesotho. With its focus on food security and education, the programme is an important step toward improving the health and academic performance of students in rural and marginalized communities.
