In the first phase, students of 100 primary schools will be provided with the meals
Punjab’s School Education Department (SED) has partnered with Allah Wallay Trust, a food charity organization, for providing free meals to primary students. The idea is to fight malnutrition in young school children by offering them one healthy meal a day.
Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas took to Twitter to share pictures of the launch of the program at primary schools. Initially, food will be provided at 100 schools.
“Another new initiative by the Punjab School Education Department. One free meal for 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,” he tweeted.
Malnutrition is a major concern
Malnutrition in young children is turning into a major point of concern in young children. As per reports, around 40% of Pakistan children under the age of 5 may be affected by stunting. In remote areas of Sindh, children are dying due to malnutrition. UN is working in those areas and studies are being carried out as gut infections may also be causing malnutrition there. Such steps by the government across Pakistan can significantly reduce malnutrition as well as incentivize education for the very poor population around the country. It is truly a win-win situation.
Netizens appreciate the step
A large number of netizens took to twitter to appreciate the step taken by the Punjab government.