Officials from the Ministry of Education visited École Notre Dame de la Providence de Karubanda in Huye District on November 10 to evaluate its integrated feeding approach, according to AllAfrica. The school, which enrolls 685 students, maintains a self-sustaining cycle where food scraps feed livestock and animal waste fertilizes crops. This system generates income through the sale of mature animals, directly supporting the provision of nutritious meals for learners.
The school’s agricultural operations include rearing eight cows, 64 rabbits, 40 pigs, and over 1,900 chickens, alongside the cultivation of vegetables and fruit trees. Head teacher Clothilde Ayimana stated that a balanced diet enhances student energy and participation in school activities. The school received a Ministry of Education award in the 2024/2025 academic year for its commitment to nutritious meal provision, a recognition that underscores the effectiveness of its localized food production strategy.
Jean-Damascène Nsengiyumva, Director General of School Health and Wellness, noted that the national school feeding programme, implemented since 2014, aims to improve student wellbeing and reduce dropout rates. He reported that dropout rates fell from 9.4 percent in 2019/2020 to 4.7 percent in 2023/2024. Currently, more than 4.5 million students receive school meals, achieving 99.5 percent coverage across public and private institutions, although gaps remain in some private schools.
Nsengiyumva warned administrators against dismissing students over unpaid meal contributions, suggesting flexible payment arrangements or alternative forms of parental participation. The ministry has taken disciplinary action against some administrators who failed to meet feeding requirements, with some facing dismissal or court proceedings. He emphasized that a child’s access to meals should not depend solely on a parent’s immediate ability to pay.
Despite these gains, the programme faces challenges including high fuel costs and inadequate dining facilities. Nsengiyumva stated that 97.1 percent of schools still rely on firewood for cooking, which increases expenses and environmental impact. To address infrastructure shortages, the government is promoting shared kitchens; two such facilities currently serve over 30,000 students across 11 schools, improving efficiency while the broader system gradually adapts to rising food prices.