The Punjab School Education Department (SED) launched the “School Meals Programme” in 16 primary schools in Lahore.
The program aims to improve citizens’ well-being and relieve the financial strain on families.
There are 535 primary schools in the Lahore district, and the meal program will begin in 100 of them in the first phase.
ANOTHER NEW INITIATIVE by Punjab School Education Department. One free meal to our Primary School Children. We are starting this in 100 Schools InshAllah. I thank Allah Wallay Trust for providing the food. This would be great for our Children. pic.twitter.com/6kL4m2bG4W
— Murad Raas (@DrMuradPTI) November 4, 2020
The ‘Meal Programme’ was launched at Bhabara’s City District Government (CDG) Primary School, with Punjab Minister for School Education Murad Raas in attendance.
Minister for School Education @DrMuradPTI launched the School Meal Program at CDG Primary School Bharbara, Lahore. Under the program, free mid-day meals will be provided to the students of the school with the support of Allah Wallay Trust and Honda Pakistan. @GovtofPunjabPK pic.twitter.com/ib54kD1kFL
— School Education Punjab (@SchoolEduPunjab) February 3, 2022
Speaking at the event, the Education Minister stated that a pilot project in this area, which began in November 2020, had yielded incredible results. He stated that the program would initially be implemented in 100 primary schools throughout the district.
“The ‘School Meal Program’ improved students’ attendance, health, and reservation in schools where the program has already been implemented,” the minister said.
He claims that schools involved in this program have seen a 33% increase in attendance and a 77% improvement in students’ health and BMI levels.
My comments on results of School Meal Program that we started in some Government Schools. pic.twitter.com/JSQy2vfbzA
— Murad Raas (@DrMuradPTI) February 3, 2022
According to Dr. Raas, the program will be gradually expanded to other districts in order to address the issues of malnutrition and stunted growth among young students.
The minister also encouraged the private sector to join this noble initiative.
