Kiambu Governor, Kimani Wamatangi has launched an ambitious Early Childhood Education (ECDE) school feeding programme to keep children in school. Speaking at the county headquarters during the launch on Monday, the Governor said in the programme children will get eggs and porridge on a daily basis. The main aim of the event was to lay the foundation for learners to get adequate meals during the school day in order to retain the children in school. During the Governor’s speech he thanked the ECDE teachers for their effort and urged them to continue to support the children and address their challenges as they go through their early education. ‘ECDE teachers are an important part in our children’s’ daily lives as they shape their future. They teach the learners crucial first information early such as the basics of reading and writing among other activities,’ he said. Wamatangi added that the school feeding Programme fund has been put aside before its commencement on April 1, 2023. He added that 24 classes will be renovated and 40 new classes will be constructed. The ECDE centres will be divided into two sections (PP1andPP2) with the teachers’ office in the middle of the structure and will also include a children’s play section. Jane Wanjiru who is an ECDE teacher from Ndeiya thanked the Kiambu County Government in general for supporting the learners. ‘The School feeding programme initiative will be of great benefit to our learners. Some students come to class without having eaten anything denying them concentration in class, ‘she said. She also urged the government to increase the ECDE teachers’ salary as it is not enough to cater for their needs. ‘I think as teachers we are an important part of a child’s development and we take the responsibility seriously and so I urge the County Government of Kiambu to increase the ECDE’s teacher’s salary as it is little,’ she said. Early Childhood Education in Kenya serves a critical purpose in preparing young children for Primary education.
Source: Kenya News Agency