Parents in Iyela Ward, Mbeya City, have been urged to contribute to school meals after pupils raised concerns that inadequate food support was contributing to absenteeism and poor attendance.
The appeal was made during the 68th graduation ceremony of Iyela Primary School, where 228 pupils 133 girls and 95 boys completed their primary education.
Iyela Ward Education Officer Lilian Mwakitosi said providing food at school was important in helping pupils concentrate on their studies and attend classes regularly.
“Food enables a pupil to study without distractions. When a child does not eat, it becomes difficult for them to concentrate in class,” she said.
The pupils, through a statement read by graduate Amini Lwitiko Mwambepo, said the school had benefited from several interventions, including desks, classrooms, toilets, environmental conservation initiatives, food support and funding for examination papers.
However, they said inadequate contributions towards school meals remained a challenge.
The pupils also cited a shortage of textbooks, additional classrooms, a photocopying machine for examination papers and sports equipment among their priorities.
They appealed to other stakeholders to support the school and build on assistance provided by CCM National Executive Committee (NEC) member for Mbeya Region Ndele Mwaselela.
Mr Mwaselela was the guest of honour at the ceremony but was represented by Iyela Ward Councillor Absalom Mwambepo.
Iyela Primary School headteacher Alpha Mponza said the school had recorded strong academic performance, with all 243 pupils who completed primary education last year passing their examinations.
He attributed the performance partly to support for school meals and examination materials.
Mr Mponza said Mr Mwaselela had also been providing Sh2 million every month since July 2026 to support mock examinations for Standard Four and Standard Seven pupils.
“This support has helped us provide examination materials and prepare pupils for their assessments,” he said.
Mr Mwambepo said Mr Mwaselela had contributed Sh1.5 million towards the graduation ceremony and had also supported the construction of a classroom and the purchase of desks.
He said the support was part of wider efforts to improve the learning environment and enable pupils to study in better conditions.
Mr Mwambepo received a certificate of appreciation on behalf of Mr Mwaselela for his contribution to education and other community development initiatives.
He said Iyela Ward was committed to improving the quality of education in primary and secondary schools and raising pupils’ academic performance.
Mr Mwaselela has also supported development work at Iyela Health Centre, including construction of classrooms and toilet facilities.