Candidates warned against poor feeding during exams

Oct 10, 2014

Senior four students have been warned against eating junk, oily, contaminated and left over foods during examinations periods.

By Vivian Agaba and Juliet Waiswa

Senior four students have been warned against eating junk, oily, contaminated and left over foods during examinations periods as these foods could easily trigger running stomachs and the affected students spend most of their time running to the toilet instead of concentrating during exams.

Florence Eyoti, Careers mistress, City High, Kampala, said some students like eating junk, oily, contaminated foods while others especially those that come from poor families eat left overs which sometimes affect them and they get stomach upset

“We sometimes have a problem of some students complaining of stomach aches because of the foods they eat. This is as a result of poor diet, we however warn against eating such foods. We do not want students to get stomach upsets and keep moving in and out of examination rooms. This distracts the affected students reducing on the levels of concentration and some students may not complete their papers, thus poor performing,” said Eyoti.

She was speaking at the briefing of senior four students at City High School in Kampala on Friday.

She said this being a day school; some of the students are in the habit of buying foods like chappatis, mandazi prepared on the road side, which are contaminated and contribute to the problem.

She called upon parents to provide health foods that build their children’s bodies and minds and are able to concentrate during exams.

trueTeachers of City High School, Kololo briefing their senior four students October 10, 2014. PHOTO, Juliet Kasirye

Clare Nduhura, head teacher of the school warned students against foregoing meals saying meals are important in giving students energy and other nutrients and keep them going during exams.

“As candidates, we shall give you special treatment in that you will be eating before the rest of the students. Please eat the food, it is yours. We do not want anyone to forgo any meal because you might collapse during the papers and die. All candidates must have meals,” said Nduhura

She warned girls who miss meals especially posho and beans reasoning that they do not want to eat posho to grow fat and lose their figures.

“I am fat but I am very marketable, so girls, I do not want to see anyone going to the canteen to buy junk or oily foods during exam time all in the name of maintaining your figures. All of you must eat lunch during this period,” said Nduhura.

Silver Epiu Aisu, deputy, head teacher warned students against introducing new foods to their diet as some may be allergic to the foods and get health complications during this time.

He advised them to eat breakfast and those who cannot afford, at least have water so that can concentrate during morning papers.

Students were advised to be disciplined, keep time, follow instructions and be vigilant during exams, avoid being tempted to cheat especially writing on thighs and breasts by girls and hiding chits in trousers and stockings by boys.

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