School feeding budget in Rwanda reaches Frw94 billion #rwanda #RwOT

The update was revealed on March 7, 2025, during the commemoration of National School Feeding Day.

Rwanda is celebrating a decade since the launch of the school feeding program, which initially targeted secondary school students before expanding to include primary schools.

When the initiative began, it had a budget of Frw4 billion. Over time, funding has significantly increased, reaching Frw90 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year.

Education Minister Nsengimana Joseph noted that before the program's introduction, many students faced challenges such as long commutes, requiring them to go home for lunch and return late, which hindered their learning.

He emphasized that since the program started in 2014, students no longer encounter such obstacles, and many who had dropped out due to food insecurity have returned to school.

"When this program was introduced, we saw many students who had left school come back. It has played a crucial role in ensuring that all children have access to education and can focus on their studies," he said.

He added that the initiative has also encouraged parents to enroll their children in school on time. Previously, some parents delayed school enrollment due to concerns about their children going hungry, increasing the risk of dropouts.

Gloria Umurerwa, a parent, said the program has significantly reduced the burden on families who previously struggled to provide lunch for their children.

"Now, I can go about my daily work without worrying about my child's lunch. Knowing they are well-fed at school brings peace of mind. This initiative has been a great relief for many of us," she said.

The national celebration took place at G.S Kigali, where schools that efficiently managed their budgets and implemented sustainable initiatives, such as growing their own fruits and vegetables, were recognized.

Top-performing schools at the district level received Frw800,000, while those excelling at the provincial level were awarded Frw2 million.