The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has launched the largest School Nutrition Programme in Pakistan’s history. This initiative, starting from South Punjab, aims to provide free milk packs to 400,000 children daily. The program began on 5th September 2024 at the largest government school in Dera Ghazi Khan, marking a significant milestone in improving child health and education across the region.
School Nutrition Programme: A Game Changer for South Punjab
The School Nutrition Programme is designed to address malnutrition among children in South Punjab, an area that has long struggled with high child malnutrition rates. By providing free 175ml milk packs to students every day, this initiative aims to support the health and educational development of primary school children.
Areas Covered by the Nutrition Programme
The initiative targets the districts in South Punjab where malnutrition is most prevalent. The primary beneficiaries are children from Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Muzaffargarh, areas identified as having the highest malnutrition rates.
| District | Number of Children Benefiting |
|---|---|
| Dera Ghazi Khan | 150,000 |
| Rajanpur | 130,000 |
| Muzaffargarh | 120,000 |
These districts, home to some of the most underserved populations, will now see substantial improvements in child nutrition through this program.
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CM Maryam Nawaz’s Commitment to Education and Health
During the launch of the School Nutrition Programme in Dera Ghazi Khan, Maryam Nawaz highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the education sector and child health. She reiterated that this program will soon be expanded to all parts of Punjab. The 400,000 children currently benefiting from the daily milk distribution are just the first step toward a larger vision for child welfare and education in the province.
Plans for Expansion and Future Goals
Maryam Nawaz announced that the School Nutrition Programme will run for the next five years under the supervision of the Education Minister. The aim is to ensure that all government school children in Punjab receive free milk packs, contributing to their physical and mental development.
The milk provided will not only nourish the children but also instill healthy eating habits from an early age. Additionally, the program includes a recycling initiative, where the empty milk packs will be collected and recycled to raise funds for the schools, making the initiative both environmentally and economically sustainable.
Enhancing Education and Sports Facilities
In addition to providing nutritional support, the program is part of a broader government effort to improve education quality. CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the Punjab government is committed to making key changes to the education system. This includes:
- Curriculum improvements to better prepare students for future challenges.
- Upgrading school sports facilities to ensure well-rounded physical and mental development.
During her speech, the Chief Minister also acknowledged the efforts of Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and his team for their dedication to improving the quality of education in Punjab.
Long-Term Benefits of the Free Milk Program
Maryam Nawaz’s initiative is part of a larger vision to raise the living standards in Punjab. By providing free milk to government school children, the program aims to reduce malnutrition, enhance learning abilities, and ensure a brighter future for the province’s youth.
Over the next five years, the government plans to expand the programme to cover all government schools across Punjab, impacting millions of students.
Key Benefits of the School Nutrition Programme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Beneficiaries | 400,000 children daily |
| Areas Covered | South Punjab (DG Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh) |
| Nutritional Support | 175ml milk packs per child, every school day |
| Duration of Programme | 5 years |
| Additional Benefits | Recycling of milk packs to fund schools |
This comprehensive approach reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to tackling child malnutrition and improving educational outcomes simultaneously.
Conclusion
The School Nutrition Programme launched by Maryam Nawaz is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving the health and education of children in South Punjab. By providing free milk packs to 400,000 students every day, the program directly addresses the issue of malnutrition while fostering a better learning environment for the future generation. With plans to expand the program across the province, this initiative is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of children, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for Punjab.
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