The 10th African Day of School Feeding was commemorated at Swakopmund, celebrating the progress made with school feeding programmes across Africa. 

In the Erongo Region, approximately 34 schools, benefiting well over 11,000 learners, directly benefit from the school feeding programme.

The African Day of School Feeding came into being in 2016 as an annual event that creates awareness of the importance of school feeding programmes in fostering education, health and social protection across Africa.

Erongo Governor Neville Andre emphasised the broader impact of the school meals programme, saying it improves school attendance and reduces dropout rates. 

It also boosts cognitive performance, fights malnutrition, supports local farmers, and offers a safety net for vulnerable families.

The event's theme focused on school feeding as a tool for correcting historical inequities. 

"It is a testament to the continent's commitment to transforming the lives of children through education, nutrition, and community development and a significant milestone in Africa's commitment to improving the lives of its children and community livelihoods," said Andre.

Swakopmund Constituency Councillor Lovisa Kativa said a well-fed child is a child who is prepared to learn.

Kativa further added that hunger and malnutrition are among the greatest barriers to education, and school feeding programmes are actively breaking this cycle.

"However, despite the obvious benefits, implementing sustainable school lunch programmes remains a challenge in many African nations. You will agree with me that it has been observed that in some areas of our continent and also in the case of Namibia, school-age children either do not attend school due to hunger or through lack of resources or inadequate infrastructure."

The principal of Westside High School, Veneza Rheeder, said, "Through these programmes, we are ensuring that our learners have the energy and resources they need to learn, to thrive, and to dream. We recognise that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and that a healthy, well-nourished child is more likely to succeed in school and beyond. Each meal served is a step closer to a brighter future, where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential."