Mbeyo:Delays in the distribution of maize meal through the school feeding programme have left Mbeyo Primary School in Ncamagoro Constituency of the Kavango West Region without school meals since January. This has affected the attendance and performance of 435 learners, from pre-primary through Grade 7, according to school principal Kleopas Seketa.
According to Namibia Press Agency, during a recent visit by Governor Verna Sinimbo to the school, it was highlighted that the absence of porridge is impacting classroom attendance, as it provides essential nutrition for children with limited food at home.
In addition to food shortages, the school faces other resource challenges, including the need for water, classrooms, toilets, furniture, Wi-Fi, and computers. The community borehole is the school's main water source.
Kavango West Deputy Director for Education, Ester Karondo, noted that the inactive feeding programme has led to increased absenteeism and dropouts. While the government works to resolve tendering issues, it has temporarily tasked the Agro Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) with distributing meals. However, the process has been slow, despite some schools, like those in the Mpungu circuit, having begun feeding.
AMTA spokesperson Pasval Elijah attributed the delays in Term 2 to late delivery of essential ingredients by a contractor appointed by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture. The agency received the Term 2 purchase order on 02 June 2026, but ingredients arrived sporadically between 17 July and 12 August 2026, delaying the start of blending.
The responsibilities of AMTA include supplying, blending, and packaging maize meal for regional warehouses. Elijah emphasized that AMTA does not distribute directly to schools. The lack of a regional warehouse or dedicated transporter in Kavango West has compounded the delays.
After a visit by Director of Education Pontianus Musore to the mill on 08 September, officials decided to use government vehicles for collecting and distributing the maize blend to schools. The Kavango West Regional Council began this distribution process on 09 September, which remains ongoing.