⇒DOCUMENTARY BY NGAMEGBULAM CHIDOZIE STEPHEN⇐
At Kalbeo Tindonsoblgo in the Upper East Region, a small and impoverished community where most parents are poor farmers struggling to make ends meet, a quiet crisis is unfolding.
The government’s School Feeding Programme, which is meant to provide a reliable source of nourishment to school pupils, has faltered, leaving the children at Kalbeo Tindonsoblgo Primary School hungry and uncertain.
For these children, the meals they receive at school are not just food; they are a critical source of energy that helps them concentrate on their studies. Without it, their ability to focus and thrive in school is compromised.
The 2024 Global Hunger Index paints a gloomy picture of Ghana, ranking it 66th out of 127 countries. This statistic is painfully real for communities like Kalbeo Tindonsoblgo, where hunger is an ever-present concern. Instead of looking forward to lunchtime with anticipation and relief, the children are met with disappointment, a constant reminder of the daily struggles their families face.
Once hopeful and eager, their faces now reflect fatigue, their energy drained by the absence of regular meals. Yet, even in their weariness, their resilience remains strong.
Despite these challenges, there is hope for change. The community’s strength and determination cannot be overlooked. Through the collective efforts of parents, educators, and well-wishers, the School feeding Programme can be restored, providing more than just food. It will restore the children’s confidence, reminding them that they are cared for, valued, and worthy of every opportunity.
A reliable meal will do more than fill their stomachs; it will bolster their sense of self-worth and enable them to focus on their education, knowing that a brighter future is within their grasp. Addressing this issue is not just about providing a meal, it’s about nurturing the dreams and aspirations of an entire generation.
Stella and Azumah, the caterers responsible for providing meals for school pupils at Kalbeo Tindonsoblgo Primary School, had neglected their duties, leaving the children to face the harsh reality of hunger. Throughout the previous term, the pupils were served food only on a handful of days, forcing many to go without proper meals. As the school year drew to a close in July 2024, the consequences of this negligence became painfully evident.
The days turned into weeks, and children who once brimmed with energy were now lethargic and distracted, struggling to focus on their studies. Their health suffered greatly, and the vibrant laughter that used to fill the schoolyard was replaced by quiet resignation.
Conversations among parents revealed a shared sense of frustration; while they appreciated the government’s efforts to improve nutrition for their children, they could only lament the failure of the program at Kalbeo Tindonsoblgo School (KTS).
Some parents spoke earnestly about their hopes for the initiative, believing it could uplift their children’s futures. However, witnessing the deterioration of their wards due to inadequate nutrition was heartbreaking. The community rallied together, calling for immediate action to restore the feeding program to its former glory.
With the future of these young learners hanging in the balance, the urgent need to address the situation became crystal clear. It was imperative that the necessary steps be taken to ensure children at Kalbeo Tindonsoblgo Primary School received the fundamental nourishment they needed to not only survive but to truly thrive in their educational journey.
The community deserved better; the next generation’s potential depended on it. In the heart of Ghana, amidst the vibrant landscapes and bustling towns, lies a small and struggling community that tells a poignant story of resilience and desperation.
The national school feeding program in Ghana was designed to be a beacon of hope. Its goals were noble: to reduce hunger and malnutrition, increase school enrollment, attendance, and retention, and boost domestic food production. Ultimately, it aimed to break the chains of poverty and enhance food security for the nation’s future. But at Kalbeo Tindonsoblgo Primary School, those promises felt like a distant dream.
The reality was stark and disheartening. The children, eager to learn and play, faced the harsh silence of empty bellies. The purpose of the feeding program had been betrayed by these caterers who had, time and again, failed to fulfill their commitments. They neglected their duties, leaving the students with little more than the hope of a meal.
Last term, the children were fed on only a handful of days, with months stretching between their meager portions, until the school closed for vacation in July 2024.
The impact was devastating. They struggled to focus in class, their minds foggy with hunger. As days turned into weeks, attendance became a struggle. Children who should have been eager to gather around their teachers were instead forced to choose between learning and the gnawing pain of an empty stomach. Retention rates plummeted, and with that, the community faced an unsettling reality where poverty continued to grip them tightly.
The cries of the Kalbeo Tindonsoblgo Primary School community echoed with urgency. Parents and teachers alike knew that something had to change. They longed for intervention and accountability; they needed the authorities to step in and hold the negligent caterers responsible for their failures. Swift action was necessary to ensure meals were delivered promptly, safeguarding not just the health of the children but their right to an education.
As I delved deeper into the investigation surrounding the catering services at Kalbeo Tindonsoblgo Primary School, I found myself seated across from the headmistress in her modest office. Her weary eyes held a mix of frustration and concern, a reflection of the troubling situation unfolding at the school.
“Tell me about the catering services provided by the two vendors,” I prompted, hoping to glean more about the persistent issues.
Madam Ajara the headmistress paused, carefully weighing her response. “Well, to put it bluntly, the pupils haven’t been fed properly, even on the few days the caterers did show up. Every time I voice my complaints, the vendors just become confrontational.” Her voice carried a sense of urgency that resonated deeply within me.
What I soon uncovered was shocking. Since the school year resumed on September 10, 2024, one caterer out of the two had prepared meals for only ten days, while the other vendor hadn’t cooked a single meal at all. The stark reality of these findings painted a grim picture of neglect.
“It’s disheartening,” the headmistress continued, her expression filled with a mix of sadness and resolve. “These children deserve better. We need a reliable feeding program to support their education and well-being.” Her words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the impact of these failures.
As I gathered more information, it became increasingly clear that the pupils were suffering from hunger and malnutrition, a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing the school. The headmistress’s plea for immediate action echoed in my mind: change was not just necessary but imperative.
The key findings from my investigation outlined an alarming situation: inadequate food supply, negligence on the part of the caterers, a troubling lack of accountability, and, most critically, the adverse effects on the children’s health and education.
The Kalbeo Tindonsoblgo Primary School community stood united in their demand for change. As I left the headmistress’s office, I couldn’t help but wonder: would the authorities recognize the urgency of this crisis and intervene to ensure that these children receive the nourishment they so desperately needed? The question lingered, underscoring the hope for a brighter, more supportive future for the pupils.
As I continued with my investigation, I proceeded to 31st December KG another school within the Bolgatanga Municipal, and unfortunately its kitchen was locked tight and forgotten since the start of the new school term in September. The vibrant hustle and bustle that once filled the kitchen had been replaced by an unsettling stillness, leaving the students who relied on it for their daily meals in a dire situation.
Headmistress Madam Margaret walked through the empty corridors with a heavy heart as she recounted the school’s unfortunate plight. “The caterer abandoned her post due to inadequate payment,” she revealed, her voice tinged with worry. Her words struck like a heavy blow, a truth that held grave consequences for the innocent pupils who now faced the cruel reality of hunger.
As I observed the children in the classrooms, I saw a stark contrast to their usual lively spirits. The laughter and chatter that once filled the air had faded, leaving behind an unsettling quiet. Those bright eyes, once sparkling with curiosity and promise, now seemed dulled and weary from the pangs of starvation.
Madam Margaret continued, her concern deepening. “These children depend on the school feeding program for their daily meals. Without it, they’re left vulnerable.” Her words revealed not only the immediate impact of the kitchen’s shutdown but also the far-reaching consequences on their overall well-being and educational success.
The lockdown of the kitchen had not just deprived the pupils of essential nutrition; it had disrupted their learning, diminishing their ability to focus. The well-being of these young hearts was at risk, exposing them to health issues that could affect their future.
Desperation echoed within the walls of 31st December KG as the community rallied, crying out for help. When would the authorities intervene? The young pupils, with all their potential and dreams, deserved better.
To make it clear, this wasn’t the case when i visited some other schools within the municipality such as Ayuusi-Yine, Tin-daa Yamga and Baptist basic school.
WHEN MEALS ARE DENIED, INNOCENT STUDENT SUFFER
Delving more to understand the negative implications that moves along with the denial and food starvation of these innocent pupils, I engaged Mr. Paul Agumbire Akapanga, a nutritionist and tutor at Nalerigu NMTC, who further sheds light on the critical implications. “Children require frequent, nutrient-rich meals for optimal growth, cognitive development, and immune system function,” he emphasizes.
Unlike adults, children need more than three meals a day due to their high energy demands and limited stomach capacity. The school feeding program aimed to bridge this gap, supporting parents who struggle to provide meals.
Without these meals, children face: Impaired cognitive development, Academic struggles, Weakness and hunger, stunted growth and increased risk of illness
For children between 10-19 years old, rapid growth and brain development rely heavily on essential nutrients. When denied, their potential is compromised.
As Mr. Akapanga notes, “Every nutrient counts for children. Vitamin E, A, C, and Iron fuel brain development, making them receptive to learning.”
The consequences of neglected school meals are far-reaching. It’s crucial to prioritize nutrition, ensuring young minds receive the sustenance needed to thrive. The nutritionist advised
ASSEMBLYMAN’S EFFORT WASN’T REGARDED
Thomas Ayimbila Apaala, the Assembly Member for the area, when contacted stood with a heavy heart, voicing the concerns that had echoed through the streets and classrooms. “This issue didn’t start today,” he stated resolutely. “Even last term, they weren’t cooking.”
He said, despite his efforts to address the situation, including reaching out to the Municipal Assembly and the Ghana Education Service, Apaala found himself facing a wall of indifference. “I’ve made them aware of the situation, but still, no progress,” he lamented, his voice tinged with disappointment.
Meanwhile, numerous efforts made to reached out to these caterers to better understand their reasons for starving the innocent school pupils, was not successful. But unfortunately, that could not prevent us from publishing this article.
HAPPENING AT THE BACK SIDE OF THE MCE
Mr. Rex Asanga, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), was taken aback when approached about the issue. “Who did they report to?” he questioned, a mix of confusion and surprise in his tone. His words revealed a clear frustration, underscoring a pivotal point—if the caterers weren’t fulfilling their duties, they risked not only losing their payments but potentially being replaced.
Mr. Asanga further articulated the assembly’s lack of awareness regarding this issue, hinting at a significant communication breakdown within the system. “There’s a vocal person at the Assembly,” he noted, referring to an individual who often spoke on behalf of the team, “but she doesn’t make decisions.” This statement raised pressing questions about accountability and the overall effectiveness of the organizational structure in place to address such concerns.
With a determined expression, Mr. Asanga concluded, “If the caterers aren’t cooking, and they don’t inform us, and the Assembly member stays silent, I won’t know.” His commitment to transparency and proactive governance was evident, as he recognized the need for better communication mechanisms to ensure that such issues were promptly addressed.
As the leader of the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, Mr. Asanga knew the weight his words carried. His dedication to improving the lives of residents was clear; he sought to create an enabling environment where challenges could be identified and resolved swiftly. The assembly’s mission was not just about oversight but rather about fostering a community where every child had access to nutritious meals, and no caterer could slip through the cracks unnoticed.
With innocent children still suffering from starvation despite reports of the caterers’ absence to the GSFP Regional Coordinator, Madam Georgina Ayamba since February 2024, all i received was promises of bringing the caterers but nothing happened. This lack of action is unacceptable, especially considering the critical role nutrition plays in cognitive development and academic performance.
In similar contexts, organizations like Save the Children have highlighted the devastating impact of hunger on children’s mental health and well-being. For instance, in Gaza, children have experienced “complete psychological destruction” due to prolonged exposure to violence, displacement, and starvation. The effects of hunger on young minds can be irreversible, leading to lifelong detrimental mental harm.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
(A) Financial Stability: GSFP contracts should be awarded to caterers with financial capabilities.
(B) Supervision and Monitoring: Establish proper supervisory departments to monitor and report caterers’ activities.
(C) Accountability: Disengage caterers who fail to provide meals, impeding the program’s success.
In Colorado, the Greeley-Evans School District has successfully implemented a no-cost meal system, serving over 20,000 meals daily and reaching 94% of the student body. This model demonstrates the impact of accessible nutrition on students’ well-being and academic performance.
More to come..
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
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