Dr. Apaak urges support for programmes that fight hunger in schools

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has called for increased support for programmes that tackle hunger in schools to improve educational outcomes.

Dr. Apaak made the call at the media launch of the partnership between the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) on the Home-Grown School Feeding Project in Accra on Friday.

Representing the Ministry of Education, he underscored the importance of nutrition in learning and described school feeding initiatives as a crucial investment in the country’s future.

“Interventions that improve school nutrition are critical investments in education and human capital development,” Dr. Apaak said.

He explained that access to nutritious meals enables children to participate fully in classroom activities and strengthens efforts to improve academic performance nationwide.

The Deputy Minister said the partnership between LCIF and WFP demonstrates how collaboration can address challenges affecting education while supporting broader development goals.

“The Home-Grown School Feeding Project being launched today demonstrates the strong connection between education, agriculture, nutrition, and community development,” he stated.

According to him, the initiative will provide nutritious meals sourced from local farmers, creating a dual benefit of supporting learners while generating economic opportunities for farming communities and strengthening local food systems.

Dr. Apaak noted that the Ministry of Education appreciates the commitment of the World Food Programme and the Lions Clubs International Foundation to supporting Ghana’s efforts to provide quality education in healthy learning environments.

He said the project’s focus on reducing hunger and malnutrition among kindergarten and primary school pupils aligns with national efforts to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to succeed in school.

“A hungry child cannot fully concentrate in the classroom, participate actively in learning, or achieve his or her full potential,” he added.

Dr. Apaak expressed optimism about the implementation of the project in the Karaga District and Sekyere Central, saying it would improve children’s educational experiences and contribute to the socio-economic development of beneficiary communities.

He further commended all stakeholders whose collaboration made the initiative possible and stressed that strong partnerships, effective coordination and sustained commitment remain essential to the success of programmes aimed at improving child welfare, reducing hunger and advancing national development.