By Nkhensani Mthombeni
Madjadji Primary School in rural Limpopo has won the 2022/2023 National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) award for the best daily meal for kids.
For their achievement the school has received a state-of-the-art kitchen worth R800,000 from the Tiger Brand Foundation (TBF).
Deputy Minister of Education Regina Mhaule made the announcement at the Department of Basic Education Conference Centre in Pretoria.
The Selwane Village school has its own vegetable garden and orchards, which assist in supplementing the food it receives from the government.
The participating schools were judged on excellence, innovation and dedication in successfully implementing the NSNP programme.
Mary Mokgalaka, principal of Madjadji Primary School, said she is delighted by the win and pleased their hard work has paid off.
“Food hygiene is our top priority. When it comes to feeding learners we always make sure we provide a clean environment. Time management is crucial; we make sure learners are fed on time and that no one misses a meal,” she said.
All produce from the garden is shared with the community and some is sold for cash, which is used to buy more food to create balanced meals.
The school also identifies less privileged families and supplies them with food parcels from the surplus, thereby ensuring that learners are fed after school as well.
The NSNP provides a daily nutritious meal to school kids across South Africa.
TBF director Eugune Absolom said that in 2019, nine million learners were depending on the school meal, which for some was their only meal of the day.
Pictured above: Madjadji Primary School receiving the award
Image source: Limpopo Department of Education
