DODOMA: SCHOOL feeding programmes in Dodoma Region are benefiting 634,456 primary and secondary school students, with the initiative continuing to expand as part of efforts to improve learners’ nutrition, school attendance and academic performance. The beneficiaries include 511,630 primary school pupils, representing 84.3 per cent and 122,826 secondary school students, representing 79.7 per cent, according to the latest regional report. Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule said school feeding remained a key priority under the region’s strategic plan, describing the progress achieved so far as encouraging.
She directed that efforts to strengthen the programme should be complemented by increased food production in schools through the establishment of school gardens and the planting of shade and fruit trees to promote self-reliance among learners. Meanwhile, Dodoma City Council has earned a green rating for its nutrition programmes after meeting the required standards for implementing key nutrition interventions during the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. Presenting the quarterly nutrition implementation report, Acting Nutrition Officer Happiness Mlamka said the council attained the highest score on the nutrition implementation indicators scorecard, demonstrating strong performance in implementing key nutrition interventions.
She further said that under the scorecard system, a green rating signifies satisfactory performance, while yellow indicates areas requiring improvement and closer monitoring and red reflects challenges requiring immediate corrective action. ALSO READ: Dr Mwinyi swears in Dr Kimaro, three others to key leadership, judicial positions Speaking at the meeting, Chairperson Sakina Mbugi, who represented the Dodoma District Commissioner, commended the council for its consistent performance in implementing nutrition programmes. She urged stakeholders to intensify nutrition education using messages promoted through the Uhuru Torch Race, including the slogan: “Pay attention to your nutrition: boost your health, mind and productivity.” Ms Mbugi also called on nutrition officers to continue engaging youth, older people, religious leaders and traditional leaders to raise awareness of proper nutrition and improve public health.
School feeding programmes are widely recognised as an effective intervention for improving school enr…
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