Punjab Launches School Meal Program in Another District. In a significant move aimed at improving both education and nutrition for children, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has inaugurated the School Meal Program at the Government Primary School Kisanwala in Mankera, Bhakkar District. This initiative marks another step towards the provincial government’s goal of ensuring that all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to the necessary tools to succeed in their academic journey.
During her visit, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Daanish School in Mankera and upgraded several local schools to better cater to the growing number of students in the region.
Focus on Education and Nutrition
The launch of the School Meal Program is designed to provide free, nutritious meals to children in public schools, with the aim of improving both education outcomes and health. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that education and nutrition are essential pillars for shaping a better future for children.
By combining education with nutrition, the program seeks to address the widespread issue of malnutrition among students in rural and underserved areas of Punjab. Research has shown that when children are properly nourished, their ability to focus, learn, and succeed in school improves dramatically.
Holistic Approach
The School Meal Program focuses on providing children with balanced meals, offering both physical and cognitive benefits. Nutritious meals help enhance student performance by boosting concentration and energy levels throughout the day.
As part of the program, students at Government Primary School Kisanwala and other schools across 13 districts will now receive daily meals, creating a healthier and more supportive learning environment.
Upgrading and Expanding Schools
In addition to the meal program, Maryam Nawaz announced the upgradation of local schools to improve educational access and quality.
- Government Girls Primary School Kisanwala has been upgraded to an elementary school.
- Elementary schools in Kari and Noorpur Shah have been promoted to high school level, allowing for greater educational opportunities in these areas.
These upgrades are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the education system and ensure that children in Punjab have access to high-quality education from primary school to high school.
Daanish School Mankera Visit
During her visit, Maryam Nawaz toured the Daanish School in Mankera, a prominent initiative by the provincial government aimed at providing world-class education to students in rural areas.
She visited key facilities, including the computer lab, library, and girls’ hostel, to better understand the learning environment and see firsthand how these resources are benefiting the students.
The Chief Minister took the time to celebrate students’ birthdays, providing words of encouragement and urging them to continue working hard and staying confident in their abilities. This personal interaction with students highlights the government’s commitment to making education more accessible and supportive for all children.
Sustainable and Innovative Solutions
One of the most innovative aspects of the Daanish School Mankera is the use of recycled materials to create sustainable furniture for classrooms. Maryam Nawaz praised the school’s initiative to recycle over 200,000 milk cartons into durable desks, notebooks, and pencils. This not only provides functional resources for students but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Such initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to fostering eco-friendly practices while addressing practical challenges in school infrastructure. By incorporating sustainable solutions, the government aims to instill values of environmental consciousness in the next generation.
Impact of the School Meal Program
The School Meal Program is already seeing success in many parts of Punjab. Currently, the program is operational in 8,319 schools across 13 districts, with more than 13,197 students attending 20 Daanish schools. The program’s launch has already led to an impressive 28% increase in student enrollment.
The increased enrollment is a direct result of both the educational improvements and the added incentive of free meals, which have encouraged parents to send their children to school, knowing that they will receive not only an education but also healthy nourishment.
Broader Vision for Punjab’s Education System
Maryam Nawaz’s visit and the initiatives she launched are part of the broader vision for Punjab’s education system, which seeks to make education both more inclusive and sustainable. The government has set ambitious goals to:
- Improve school infrastructure.
- Provide better access to quality education.
- Promote sustainability through innovative and eco-friendly practices.
By implementing programs like the School Meal Program and upgrading schools, the Punjab government aims to improve not only the academic performance of students but also their overall well-being, providing them with the best chance for success in the future.
Addressing Other Key Issues
During her visit, Maryam Nawaz also addressed other key issues that affect the people of Punjab. She condemned terrorist attacks in Balochistan, sending condolences to the families of the victims. Additionally, she expressed her sorrow over the Lodhran bus-truck collision, which had resulted in several fatalities.
These statements show the Chief Minister’s empathy towards the people of Punjab and her commitment to addressing both local and national issues affecting the province.
Future Plans and Investments
The Punjab government is not stopping here. The initiatives launched during Maryam Nawaz’s visit are just the beginning. The government is planning to roll out further education reforms, focusing on:
- Improving school infrastructure.
- Expanding the School Meal Program to more districts.
- Continuing to invest in sustainable practices within the education sector.
The Daanish Schools will continue to play a key role in this transformation, offering quality education to rural students and helping them compete with their urban counterparts.
Conclusion
Maryam Nawaz’s visit to Mankera, Bhakkar, and the launch of the School Meal Program and school upgrades represent a significant step towards improving education and nutrition for children in Punjab. By investing in both education infrastructure and student well-being, the government is paving the way for a brighter future for the children of Punjab.
