Schools and parents have been implored to stop the mentality of feeding children on posho and beans only because it is not a balanced diet.

The concern was raised by the director of studies for City Junior School, Patrick Mugungu, who said this affects the ability of learners to concentrate in class.

"We can attest to that, that children fed on a balanced diet are resistant to diseases, they concentrate in class and their brains are sharp," he said

He explained that its high time that school directors took lead in promoting a balanced diet in schools, including the provision of milk and bread among other foods.

“This will sharpen the brains of the learners thus leading to academic excellence since they are the future leaders of tomorrow, “he said.

Mugungu said this during the launch of the nutritional drive in schools where over 2000 children from four schools in the slums of Kinawataka, Kalerwe, Kosovo, and Nakulabye were fed during the launch of the campaign.

The campaign which is being conducted by Apar Foundation in conjunction with the international Family Support Centre is targeting to feed about 3000 pupils in four different slums of Kampala.

Kids lining up to receive the bread and milk during the nutrition campaign

According to Shanta Patel, the executive director Apar Foundation, nutrition is important and essential for the development of the child’s mind.

“Despite the advantages of nutrition to the growth of the child’s mind, most schools especially in slum areas do not have the capacity to feed the children, the required balanced diet.

“We decided to launch this campaign in schools to supplement what the schools provide them to enhance the proper learning of children," she said.

She explained that the nutrition campaign in schools is part of the different drives the foundation has been engaged in to ensure proper learning of pupils.

“As our back-to-school campaign, we provided a good number of scholastic materials to the most disadvantaged schools and children, we gave out books, bags, and other scholastics to restore hope and confidence among the learners," she said.

This she said has motivated many learners to go to school because they can have all the necessities required at school.

She said the foundation which supports the most vulnerable including paying for their school fees, has also conducted a number of health camps geared at promoting the health of children.

“In conjunction with other health organisations, we have treated children of eye defects, treated them of teeth problems, ears among others, this is aimed at ensuring that children grow up with a healthy mind so that they can become good leaders of tomorrow, “she said.