Thousands of learners are to benefit from an in-school breakfast programme after the Kathu Solar Park (KSP) formed a strategic partnership with the Tiger Brands Foundation (TBF).
This comes after the KSP, a concentrated solar power thermal energy plant located near Kathu, identified a need in their community and approached the TBF to see how they could implement this model locally.
The KSP is making a financial commitment to sponsor five schools over the next five years, which will benefit 4 468 learners who will receive a daily nutritious in-school breakfast.
“We are delighted to have concluded this strategic partnership. We see this as a solid investment in the future of our country, as nourishing young growing minds should remain a priority to help develop the next generation of leaders,” says Zandile Nkone, chief executive officer (CEO) of the KSP.
Since its inception in 2011, the TBF’s in-school breakfast programme, which complements the lunch provided by the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), has proven to be one of the most efficient nutrition programmes in schools across South Africa. This achievement is due to the public-private partnership between the TBF and the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
The NSNP provides two nutritious meals to all learners in quintiles 1 to 3 primary and secondary schools across all provinces.
By partnering with the TBF, KSP beneficiary schools will receive highly nutritious fortified porridge made from sorghum, maize or oats. Learners are provided with a plate and set of utensils, allowing them to enjoy their meal with dignity. The porridge and portion size, determined by nutritionists, meets optimal levels of micronutrients as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and addresses key health challenges.
Dr Reginah Mhaule, deputy minister of Basic Education, said the NSNP supported more than nine million learners daily, providing intervention to improve learning ability.
