The government's school breakfast program has been expanded to all schools across Maldives.
Providing a nutritious breakfast for all students was a campaign pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih,
A pilot program was first implemented across 25 schools all over Maldives during the first term of 2019. On Tuesday, the government expanded the program to the remaining 188 schools, with all 203 public schools in the Maldives now serving breakfast to its students on the government's expense. The program is now catering to 57,816 students.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Thaajudheen School on Tuesday to inaugurate the program, Vice President Faisal Naseem said breakfast is an important meal to prepare for the day's school work.
Minister Aishath Ali said today was an important day for the education sector, noting that students will no longer attend school on empty stomachs.
"Today, students attending school on empty stomachs will come to an end. We are implementing this [program] because we are confident that it will help with your education and studies, your behavior and discipline and physical growth", she said.
The Minister further said the results of the pilot program show that the students are healthier due to the program.
"The results of the program show that the attentiveness of the students have increased, and the number of student who are late to school has also decreased. The [number of students] suffering fainting spells during the assembly has decreased. The number of students going to the Health Room due to headaches and stomachaches have also declined", said the Minister.
A budget of MVR 123 million was allocated for this year's school breakfast program.
