For parents, guardians, and pupils in Sah-Kaka and Mayo-Ndaga, two remote border communities in the Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, joy has returned to the schoolyards.
The laughter of children and the aroma of freshly cooked meals now fill the air, thanks to the reintroduction of a free school feeding program by ActionAid Nigeria and the Women and Children Health Care Foundation (WACHEF). Supported by the ECOWAS Commission and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, the initiative provides one nutritious meal daily for 800 pupils across 300 households.
The goal, as stated by Hajiya Suwaiba Dankabo, the deputy country director of ActionAid Nigeria, “is simple but profound—to combat malnutrition, improve school retention, and enhance the well-being of children in these underserved communities.”
“For years, malnutrition has been a silent crisis in Nigeria, depriving many children of the chance to grow and learn to their full potential. Despite government efforts, food insecurity remains a major challenge, especially in rural areas. However, this new school feeding program offers a glimmer of hope,” Hajiya Suwaiba stated.
To ensure its success, organizers have provided canteens, kitchen utensils, and improved access to clean water in the beneficiary schools. Speaking on the initiative, Hajiya Suwaiba emphasized the organisation’s commitment to transforming the lives of children in Sah-Kaka and Mayo-Ndaga.
“This programme is designed not just to feed children but to keep them in school, improve their health, and secure their future. By strengthening School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) and appointing Gender Focal Persons, we are ensuring inclusivity, accountability, and sustainability,” she said.
Echoing her sentiments, Dr. Danjuma Garba, Chairman of WACHEF’s Board of Trustees, reassured the communities that mechanisms had been put in place to guarantee the program’s success. He urged local leaders to take ownership of the initiative, safeguard the renovated canteens, and prevent vandals from disrupting the project.
For many parents in these communities, the school feeding program has become a turning point. Once skeptical about formal education, they are now eager to send their children back to the classroom.
“I had to withdraw my son from school because of hunger. But now that he gets food here, he is excited to learn again,” said Aisha Musa, a mother of three.
Teachers and school administrators have also noticed a sharp increase in enrollment. Children who once roamed the streets or worked on family farms now eagerly line up for meals, promising to attend school regularly.
“This programme is a game-changer. If sustained, it will not only boost education but also improve the future of our community,” said a local headmaster.
However, with success comes new challenges. Teachers have expressed concerns over children from neighboring Cameroon crossing the border to take advantage of the free meals. They called on the relevant authorities to establish proper monitoring systems to ensure the program serves its intended beneficiaries.
As pupils continue to enjoy their daily meals, their bright smiles reflect something greater than just satisfaction—it’s a renewed hope for a better future.
The school feeding programme may have started as a simple initiative, but in these remote communities, it is becoming a lifeline that keeps children in school, nourished, and full of dreams.