Parents and guardians in Mbeya City have been urged to take greater responsibility for providing meals to children at school, with leaders warning that hunger can affect pupils’ concentration, education and safety.
Mbeya City Special Seats Councillor Atupele Msai made the call while donating food to pupils at Isanga Primary School, saying community support was critical in ensuring children remain focused on their studies and are less exposed to situations that could put them at risk of violence and abuse.
“I have provided this food to support our children. I urge parents and guardians to lead by example by contributing to school meals so that our children can avoid violence and attend their lessons effectively,” Msai said.
She said school feeding should not be left to the Government or individual well-wishers alone, urging parents, guardians and other members of the community to contribute according to their ability.
The initiative, which was also supported by councillors Magreth Kalonga and Fatuma Bora, is expected to be extended to other wards across Mbeya City.
The councillors said ensuring that pupils have access to food while at school was an important investment in their education and wellbeing, particularly for children from vulnerable households.
The call comes amid wider efforts to address challenges that can prevent children from attending school regularly, concentrating in class and completing their education in a safe environment.
Isanga Primary School Headteacher Kissa Kibona thanked Msai and the other councillors for the donation, urging parents and guardians to fulfil their responsibility by contributing to school meals.
She also appealed to individuals, organisations and other stakeholders to support orphans and children living in vulnerable circumstances, saying such assistance would help them remain in school and pursue their education in a safe environment.
The initiative underscores the growing role of communities in addressing basic needs that directly affect children’s learning, protection and future opportunities.