DR Congo: African School Feeding Day Celebrated in Gemena with Children

By Didier Nagifi, Communications Officer

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, as part of its Ledia development program, World Vision DRC organized a remarkable celebration of African School Feeding Day in Gemena, South-Ubangi Province. This event gathered 93 participants, including students, teachers, provincial government representatives, the Ministry of Health, and the Provincial Directorate of Education. The day aimed to raise awareness among school communities about the benefits of balanced nutrition, mobilize schools, parents, students, and partners, and promote policies that support school feeding programs.

In this context, Mbuta Mafuta, a nutritionist at the Provincial Nutrition Coordination, led an educational session on the importance of balanced meals for concentration and academic performance. He explained how a healthy diet contributes not only to the educational success of children but also to their overall health. 

According to him, "a good diet is essential for the cognitive development of children. Without a balanced meal, their learning is compromised." 

This speech emphasized the direct correlation between proper nutrition and students' academic performance, reinforcing the importance of quality school meals.

To test students' knowledge on the topic, a quiz was organized. This competition allowed participants to answer questions related to balanced diets and their benefits. At the end of the contest, several prizes were awarded, including three megaphones, three footballs, and three reams of duplicating paper, to encourage students to continue their efforts in learning healthy eating practices. This initiative not only stimulated student engagement but also strengthened their motivation to put the lessons into practice.

To continue raising awareness, a cooking demonstration was held to show participants how to prepare nutritious meals with locally available ingredients. During this session, participants learned to prepare a nutritious porridge made from soy flour, maize, sugar, caterpillars, peanut paste, smoked fish, and palm oil. These hands-on demonstrations allowed participants to discover simple and effective culinary techniques while tasting the dishes and experiencing the benefits of healthy eating. It also served as a convivial moment where participants could exchange knowledge and ideas about balanced meals that everyone can access.

Following this demonstration, several students shared their impressions and commitments. 

Naomie, a student, said:

 "Before, I didn’t know that eating before going to school helped me study better. Today, I’ve learned that good nutrition improves our intelligence. I encourage my mother to prepare a good porridge to help us learn well."

 On his part, Prosper, a 12-year-old student in sixth grade, added: "I’m going to tell my parents to feed us before we go to school. With little means, we can prepare a nutritious porridge made from maize, soy, and smoked fish." These testimonies show the direct impact of this initiative on students' eating behaviors.

Finally, the Provincial Director of Education spoke, emphasizing: 

"School feeding is a pillar of student success. We must all commit to ensuring that every child can learn under good conditions." 

Benis, a representative of World Vision, also reminded everyone of the importance of collaboration between schools, parents, and authorities: "We must continue to work together to ensure that every child has access to a balanced diet." These statements highlighted the importance of collective action to ensure quality school feeding.

In summary, this celebration of African School Feeding Day in Gemena highlighted the importance of school feeding and reminded everyone of the crucial role each actor plays in supporting this program. Thanks to this day, participants not only gained practical knowledge but also became aware of the impact of nutrition on academic success and the well-being of children.