Mbabane – Parents and schools have been assured that Free Primary Education (FPE) funds will be released on time and the national feeding programme will resume when learners return to class on 16 September.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training, Nanikie Mnisi, told the media on Thursday that the Ministry had concluded talks with the Treasury to secure the third term payments. She said the funds would be available as schools open, easing concerns of possible interruptions to teaching.
Mnisi further stated that the school feeding programme would start immediately after reopening. She explained that distributing food before learners arrive often results in wastage and security problems.
“If we distribute food before the term starts, it risks going to waste or getting lost, as there is no one at the schools to safeguard it. Once learners are back, we will ensure food distribution begins promptly,” she said.
The announcement follows government’s decision to shift the reopening of schools from 9 September to 16 September to allow the full observance of the Umhlanga Reed Dance. Mnisi added that the Ministry was also working with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office to address the needs of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children before the start of the term.
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