4/10 pupils in Kayunga miss school because of hunger – Kichini

An informal research on education by Kichini Gardeners Initiative done in Kayunga district shows that 4/10 pupils miss school because of hunger. As you traverse the deep villages of Kayunga district, the sight of 3-5 pupils in their homesteads, assisting parents in cultivating fields, welcomes you. An informal survey conducted in February this year among parents in the community by a team from Kichini Gardeners initiative a non governmental organisation shows that a number of 4/10 pupils miss school because of lack of what to eat.

Its from this cause that a team from Kichini Gardeners Initiative On Monday 16, 2023 joined the whole world to commemorate the World Food Day, themed “Water is life, water is food, Leave no one behind,”. Kichini Gardeners Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing food security through resilient gardening, joined the global celebration at Nakivubo C/U Primary School in Kitimbwa Sub County, Kayunga District.

Hunger Impacting Kayunga Education.

Nakivubo C/U primary school Head teacher Iremera Moses reveals, “The school has recorded numerous cases of pupils leaving before the end of the day due to lack of food.” During planting and weeding seasons, attendance dwindles as children are often kept at home to aid in cultivation. Even those who attend may not receive proper follow-up from parents on their studies, placing the burden on teachers.

Moses underscores challenges like insufficient stationery and the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence affecting student attendance. With Kayunga having a high number of alcohol consumers, pupils bring home-induced anger to school, impacting their peers.

The absence of positive role models is evident, as Old boys and Old girls, unable to further their education due to various reasons, foster a different attitude toward learning. This lack of inspirational figures contributes to a decline in the students’ commitment to education.

Irene Nagudi, Founder of Kichini Gardeners Initiative, expressed gratitude to Nakivubo C/U Primary School for hosting the World Food Day commemoration. Through resilient gardening, the initiative aims to instill environmental consciousness in children, fostering responsible citizenship. Kichini Gardeners Initiative strives for transformative change by connecting children to nature, empowering them through gardening to combat food insecurity and hunger, ultimately increasing school attendance.

Who is Irene Nagudi?

Irene is a gardener and conservation educator. She is also a Kofi Annan Change maker and founder of Kichini Gardeners Initiative, a non-profit organisation in Uganda using sustainable gardening to connect young people to food security, nature conservation and civic responsibility.

As few children participate in topics of conservation, she believes in providing young people with practical and leadership skills which can aid them in class and encourage them to become conservation ambassadors.

As an environmental scientist, Irene is involved in education and awareness about sustainable practices for food security, climate setting, think and act positively as they transition into adulthood. Her dream is to see every child go to school with at least a meal.

What is Kichini Gardeners Initiative?

Kichini Gardeners Initiative is a non-profit registered organization that works with children (8-16) and youth, and mothers connecting them to safe food production, climate action and Mother Nature through sustainable gardening.

The organisation aims to change the mindset of the young generation towards conservation, climate change and gardening to be Change makers from an early age all through their lifetime within their communities.

Through Connect, Lead and learn, Kichini Gardeners envisions peaceful and resilient communities where every child enjoys safe food and a right to a lively Planet and visionary to empower children, youth and mothers to address global challenges affecting sustainability with innovative and actionable local solutions to food insecurity, climate and biodiversity crises towards peaceful communities.

For years, Kichini Gardeners has worked with various schools in developing projects in areas of soils conservation, climate change, nutrition, value of togetherness and outsource funding to run them.

Feel Inspired? Follow Kichini Gardeners on their website https://kichinigardenersi.org/ to donate and support the same cause

Read other stories from the same author https://kampalaedgetimes.com/4040night-returns-with-mystery/