Kathu Solar Park, in partnership with the Tiger Brands Foundation, has rolled out a school breakfast programme that will benefit five schools in the Northern Cape over the next five years.
KATHU Solar Park (KSP), in partnership with the Tiger Brands Foundation (TBF), has rolled out a school breakfast programme that will benefit five schools in the Northern Cape over the next five years.
The CEO of KSP, Zandi Nkone, said 4,468 learners would receive a daily nutritious in-school breakfast.
TBF director Eugene Absolom added that nutrition was important for the physical and cognitive development of children.
“Without proper nutrients, toddlers and pre-schoolers may struggle to develop the ability to maintain concentration,” said Absolom.
“In South Africa, malnutrition remains a significant underlying cause of child mortality and is associated with one-third of all child in-hospital deaths, according to Unicef figures.
“Unfortunately, millions of South African learners come from vulnerable communities and their sole source of nutrition is the in-school nutrition programme that has been rolled out by the Department of Basic Education.”
Absolom added that pupils would be served a nutritious fortified porridge made from sorghum, maize or oats that would be prepared by trained food handlers in clean, well-equipped kitchens – either newly constructed or renovated.
“Pupils will be provided with a plate and set of utensils, allowing them to enjoy their meal with dignity. The porridges and portion sizes by nutritionists meet optimal levels of micro-nutrients as recommended by the World Health Organisation and address key health challenges in vulnerable communities,” Absolom added.
