Chapainawabganj:Student attendance and classroom engagement have improved in government primary schools across Chapainawabganj district following the introduction of a mid-day meal program.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiative, which began on September 1 last year, is operational in the district's four upazilas—Sadar, Shibganj, Gomastapur, and Bholahat. It provides nutritious meals to 90,683 students attending 619 government primary schools.
The program's primary objectives are to meet children's nutritional needs, boost school attendance, and reduce dropout rates. Meals are offered five days a week and include bread, bananas, eggs, milk, and fortified biscuits.
Marina Khatun, head teacher of Bishwanathpur Government Primary School No. 181 in Shibganj, noted that student attendance has increased since the program's implementation. She explained that the meals help reduce fatigue from hunger, thus improving students' concentration in class.
Students have expressed positive feedback about the program. Sohel Rana, a fourth-grade student at Alatuli Government Primary School No. 76 in Sadar upazila, mentioned that he enjoys attending school now because of the provided meals. Similarly, Asma Khatun, a fifth-grade student at Namojagannathpur Government Primary School No. 177 in Shibganj, shared that the meals have made it easier to focus on her studies.
Parents have also observed changes in their children's attitudes towards school. Mohammad Nazim Uddin, whose daughter attends Gomastapur Government Primary School, noted a significant improvement in her eagerness to attend school due to the meals.
Chapainawabganj District Primary Education Officer Md Saiful Islam highlighted that the nutritious meals have led to higher attendance rates and better concentration among students, even during adverse conditions like the rainy season. He emphasized that the inclusion of bread, bananas, and eggs has increased students' interest in attending school and meeting their nutritional needs.
Education officials are optimistic that the school feeding program will continue to enhance attendance, classroom participation, and the overall well-being of primary school students in the district.