Over 27,000 ECDE learners to get free school meals in Mandera

Over 300 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres across Mandera County will benefit from a free meals program that was officially launched at Elwak Municipality on Monday, January 30.

While launching the ECD policy and meals guideline with support from World Food Programme (WFP), Mandera Governor Mohamed Kalif said his administration will deliver fortified porridge worth Sh79 million.

"In total, we shall deliver fortified porridge worth Sh79 million, which will be delivered on a termly basis. The program will benefit over 27,000 learners in the 312 ECDE centres across our county," said the governor.

The program aims to reduce hunger and malnutrition hence improving education outcomes. In the drought-stricken area where rains have failed for the last four seasons.

The county government has urged school headteachers and management to strictly use the food for the intended purpose.

WFP Country Director, Ms Lauren Landis. [Ibrahim Adan Ali, Standard]

"Mandera County government has a plan in investing Sh1.2 billion in activities such as resilience markets food supply. I pledge WFP will contribute 59 per cent amounting to Sh603 million," said WFP Country Director, Ms Lauren Landis, alongside the free feeding program.

The food supply program for all the ECDE centres will be delivered on a termly basis.