We introduced a school breakfast program at the SMB Fatima Jinnah Girls School, and more recently also at Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Girls School, both catering to low-income neighborhoods in Karachi. Most of the students in this program came to school without having breakfast, were malnourished and unable to focus on their lessons. We aim to reverse that by starting off the day with a nutritious breakfast for a total of 600 students studying in Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2.

Challenge

Zindagi Trust has adopted two large public schools in Karachi with the goal of transforming them into model educational institutions. A total of 600 students study in the Kindergarten (and Lower Primary Section) of these schools. Most of them come from low-income households and do not get a breakfast at home, thus suffering from low energy levels in the classroom and playground. This unhealthy practice not only triggers trips to the school nurse but also hampers the desired learning progress.

Long-Term Impact

This project would not only attract children towards education in areas where enrollment is an issue, but also cover their needs of a healthy diet thus enhancing levels of comprehension. The schools are considered a model school by the government and we work closely on policy advocacy with them. Our goal is that school meals are eventually adopted and supported by the government, hence making an impact on the lives of hundreds of children in addition to the 550 here.

References

1. http://www.zindagitrust.org
2. https://www.zindagitrust.org/our-work/school-reform.html
3. https://www.zindagitrust.org/impact/new-programs.html

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