Mzimba authorities emphasize the importance of nutritious food for school children
Authorities in Mzimba have underscored the importance of providing nutritious food to schoolchildren, emphasizing that proper nutrition is essential for their academic performance, physical growth, and overall well-being.
Speaking during the “Happy and Healthy Kids Day” event held today at St. Charles and Clare Private School, Bereya James Kaunde, a Nursing and Midwifery Officer at Mzimba District Hospital, urged parents to ensure that children consume balanced meals both at home and at school.
“When children eat nutritious food, they perform better in class and rarely fall sick. This also reduces the burden on parents because healthy children require fewer hospital visits,” said Kaunde.
She further stressed the importance of hygiene education, saying it goes hand in hand with nutrition.
“Apart from proper nutrition, it’s vital that children are taught hygiene and sanitation from an early age. Clean habits prevent many diseases and contribute to overall health,” he added.
The event, held under the theme “Healthy Food, Healthy Mind,” brought together parents, teachers, and health officials to raise awareness about the connection between children’s nutrition and their development.
One of the parents in attendance, Carolyne Ndhlovu, commended the school for organizing the event, noting that it strengthens the partnership between educators and families in promoting child development.
“This initiative is very important because it reminds us parents that what our children eat directly affects how they grow and learn,” said Ndhlovu. “We have a responsibility to ensure they eat well-balanced meals every day.”
In her remarks, Jasintha Phiri, Managing Director of St. Charles and Clare Private School, said the annual event aims to promote holistic child development through community collaboration.
“Children between one and five years old go through critical stages of brain development. They need healthy food to grow physically and think critically,” explained Phiri.
She added that the school’s approach focuses on all developmental domains, physical, cognitive, language, and socia,l noting that poor nutrition negatively affects each of these areas.
“That’s why we’re encouraging parents to work closely with teachers so that together we can raise healthy, intelligent, and responsible citizens,” she said.
Phiri concluded by reaffirming the school’s commitment to continue hosting similar events to strengthen collaboration between parents and teachers in supporting children’s health and academic success.
