Free School Feeding Programmes and Pupil Academic Performance in Selected Primary Schools in Kakuzi Division Ithanga village, Ithanga Zone of Thika East District- Kenya

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Date
2011-11
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Kampala International University, bachelors degree of education
Abstract
The study was mainly to examine how free food provision at school impacts on the academic performance of pupils in KAKUZI division of Thika East district. The study was intended to answer the following research questions: How is the accessibility of free food by the pupils? How does free school feeding affect pupils' attendance at school? And how does class attendance affect pupil performance in class? The methods used questionnaires, interviews, observation and review of literature to collect data for the study. In some instances, more than one data collection method was applied on a single category of respondents to ensure reliability and validity of the findings. The findings of the study indicated that: Pupils hare provided with food provide in form of Break-time porridge, Lunch time Ugali and beans. This is for every pupil at school who lines up to be served; Some pupils however, bring own packed meals due to dietary requirements and medical advice or from preferences; the PTA in most schools set aside a small budget to purchase sugar to add to the porridge to give it taste; some pupils are given money to buy food or edibles from canteens.; and that Most school meals lacked nutrition supplements besides the common carbohydrates, protein and Fat. Because of monotony of the standard issue of meals in form of porridge, Ugali and beans, many pupils escape to canteens or trading centre shops to buy edibles. Balanced diet is the basis for good nutrition which is also basis for full growth and development. The study therefore, recommends that, schools should have farms where they involve in food and agro production to add to variety of dishes served. This will enable pupils have a source of balanced diet. The study concludes that: Provision of food is not a sole responsibility of the school but of the community as well and parents. The idea should be that availability of food security that assures a meal for every child regularly. Meals at school are just a continuation to that provided at home. Providing food at school is a continuous provision of nutrition that enables a child's body grow and develop fully.
Description
A Research Report Submitted To The Institute Of Open And Distance Learning In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirement For The Award Of A bachelor’s Degree In Education Of Kampala International University
Keywords
Free School Feeding Programmes, Pupil Academic Performance, Ithanga Zone of Thika East District- Kenya
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