The Danish government has promised to involve more Schools in it’s School Feeding for School Meal,SF4SM, project, meant to improve the nutrition of primary school pupils in Akwa Ibom.
Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Sune Krogstrup made this known yesterday at a town hall meeting with stakeholders in the peoject in Uyo.
Krogstrup who was represented by a senior official in the Consular Office Mr Poul Erikstrup said that farming remained an important aspect of Danish economy adding that the project was part of some value chains involving small targeted projects in Nigeria.
Krogstrup stated that the philosophy of the project remained what is already known but doing it in a more effective way added that this would help to influence the food pschy and mentality of children for improved nutrition.
The ambassador who said that knowledge sharing remained a strongest aspect of the project called on stakeholders to increase efforts inorder to sustain this new nutrition culture.
He commended Akwa Ibom government for their strong support and recommendation adding that not only would the project help school and stakeholders to preserve resources, it would also help increase collaboration between Denmark and stakeholders.
Executive Director of Africa’s Children Aid, Education and Development Foundation (ACAEDF), who are the implementing partners, Mr David Umem in a remark said the project solely funded by the government of Denmark is meant for children who go to school hungry and finding it difficult to concentrate in their studies.
Umem said the maiden edition involved four schools but is working towards all schools in the state having a farm and fish pond, growing 70% of what the children eat in school, with the model meant to be handed over to the Federal Government to improve it’s school feeding programme.
“The project is an answer to pupils taking responsibility, an answer that no child should go to school hungry and that pupils have eqaul opportunity to learn and grow.
“The project helps to sustain interest of kids in school and inculcate the spirit of self reliance on them.” The Executive Director said.
He commended the Measurements and Evaluation consultants for developing the model for the success of the project and School based management for their interest, committment and sense of responsibility.
Project Manager, Mrs Nyenime Bassey explained that the project incorporated the crop, Aquaculture and nutrition components and involves fish pond and farms and innovative green houses to reduce cost.
Bassey commended stakeholders for their committment and interest and called for increased committment to enable the Danes expand on the project.
Krogstrup had earlier in the company of Ms Elizabeth Ulla Muller, United Nation Population Fund(UNFPA) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mr Poul Jacob Erikstrup and Victoria Epelle from the Consular office in Lagos paid a visit to ACAEDF – Land of Hope Childrrn Centre in Eket to see the level of work with the School Farm for School Meal (SF4SM) Project.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Multilateral & Donor Agencies, Mr Ndiana-Abasi Udom was also part of the visit on behalf of Akwa Ibom State Government.
