Keko Primary School pupils to thrive with daily free meals program

Dar es Salaam. Keko Primary School pupils now have every reason to excel in their studies following the inauguration of a new kitchen and a program providing 1,500 students with free meals daily on Saturday, November 2.

The improvements, which include modern toilets and a clean water supply, were funded by Delaware Investments in collaboration with the Give a Future Foundation, at a total cost of Sh200 million. 

Partnering with the Brave Lights Foundation from Philadelphia and Dhruv management from Florida, USA, the project features a state-of-the-art kitchen, renovated and expanded toilet facilities, and an upgraded water supply system.

As part of this collaboration, Brave Lights and Dhruv management will cover most of the project's initial funding. Additionally, the foundation will allocate Sh30 million monthly for feeding the children for the next year, after which the school community will take over the program.

Speaking at the launch at Keko-Mwnaga Primary School, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, minister for Community Development, Gender, and Children, praised the public-private partnerships that made the initiative possible. 

“The maternity ward, the new kitchen, and the revamped toilets will all enhance the well-being of our children and community. With these state-of-the-art facilities, our children have no reason to fail,” Dr. Gwajima stated.

Temeke District Commissioner Sixtus Mapunda urged parents and the school community to devise strategies for sustaining the feeding program once the charity withdraws.

“They are currently providing us with food, and during this year, we must find ways to contribute to ensure the program continues; otherwise, it will be a significant shame for us,” Mr. Mapunda remarked.

The newly completed kitchen has become the centerpiece of the school’s feeding initiative. Equipped with modern appliances, it allows for the preparation of nutritious meals that are served to every student, ensuring they receive at least one meal a day, which significantly enhances their well-being and educational experience.

“The construction of the kitchen and the provision of meals will bring about significant changes in the school,” said Zuberi Mbilinga, the Head Teacher of Keko Mwanga Primary School, in an earlier interview.

In addition to the kitchen, the charity has constructed new toilet facilities to address critical sanitation needs. The previous facilities were outdated and inadequate, leading to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. The newly built toilets provide a clean and safe environment for students, reducing health risks and promoting better hygiene practices.

“One of the reasons we chose to assist Keko Ward is its dense population of 26,000 people. At the school, with 800 pupils and only 8 toilets, each student previously had just 20 seconds per bathroom during breaks,” explained Delaware Investments’ Rishen Patel.

The upgraded water supply system is another essential development. Before the improvements, the school faced inconsistent access to water, affecting cleanliness and the availability of drinking water for students. The new system ensures a reliable supply of clean water, supporting daily needs and enhancing health and hygiene.

The feeding program, which costs Sh30 million per month, is funded through donations and grants managed by the US-based charities and Delaware Investments Limited. The foundations are committed to ensuring the program's sustainability and are working to secure long-term funding to continue supporting the school’s needs.

The success of this initiative at Keko Mwanga Primary School represents a significant step in addressing educational and health disparities in the region. The Give a Future Foundation plans to replicate this model in other schools across Dar es Salaam, aiming to reach more students and provide them with the essential resources they need to thrive.