Zambia: Litroz Primary School in Makeni area of Lusaka has urged the schools of the city to help to promote a healthy diet among students. This can be done by introducing indigenous healthy foods in schools for children to grow healthy.
Once these foods have become the part of the students routine, they will start to lead much better and healthier lives. The school has introduced a day in a week dubbed, “healthy Wednesday” for this purpose. On this day, the children are encouraged to eat healthy diets when in school.
The officials of the school have shared that the call has been taken in stride by the education stakeholders. LITROZ School Parents Teachers Association Chairperson for Health and the Environment, Namakau Nayame also offered his views.
She disclosed that the introduction of a healthy Wednesday aims to inculcate healthy practices early in children.
During the day, the students will be informed about good food habits and taught to drink plenty of waer
She disclosed that the initiative has been welcomed by parents at the school. All parents are being urged to ensure they prepare healthy foods for their children.
Nayame also informed the parents that the Litroz Primary School tuck shop will prepare only healthy foods every Wednesday.
Nayame encouraged mothers to prepare healthy foods for their children in order to protect them from malnutrition through eating unhealthy food. Another teacher at the same school, Karen Namwinga has encouraged parents to continue with the effort.
The parents were urged to make sure that the children are receiving healthy food at their respective homes.
“The children have welcomed this initiative so it should continue in homes too,” she said. Meanwhile, Genevieve Chewe, a parent, says it’s important that the school is taking strides to introduce healthy eating.
She has urged her fellow parents not to look at fast foods but ensure Zambian traditional foods are also incorporated in their children’s diet so that they grow healthy.
This year’s world food day is being commemorated under the theme, “Right to foods for a better future; Promoting Zambian indigenous foods.”