Rubirizi District — The Rubirizi District Education Officer, Steven Biiru Warufu, has raised concern over the growing cases of malnutrition among school-going children, warning that poor nutrition is contributing to stunted growth, ill health, and poor academic performance.
Speaking during a parents’ general meeting at Kicwamba High School in Kicwamba Sub-county, Mr. Biiru urged parents and school administrators to prioritize balanced diets, especially foods rich in protein, to improve learners’ health and educational outcomes.
According to the district education chief, 32 percent of pupils in Rubirizi District are affected by stunted growth, a situation he attributed to poor feeding practices at home.
He explained that children who are not properly nourished are more likely to suffer frequent illnesses, struggle academically, and experience emotional and psychological challenges.
“Poor nutrition affects a child’s physical and mental development. It leads to poor classroom performance, frequent sickness, and in some cases contributes to stress, self-hate, theft, and even suicidal thoughts,” Biiru said.
He warned that the district education department has stepped up monitoring of schools and households to ensure children receive adequate nutrition. Parents found neglecting their children’s welfare could face legal action.
Biiru appealed to parents to provide protein-rich foods and balanced meals to enable children to grow into healthy and productive members of society.
The meeting’s chief guest, Rubirizi Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Dagaras Rwamutojo, emphasized the importance of education in fighting poverty and ignorance.
He urged parents to invest in their children’s education by providing all the necessary scholastic materials and ensuring they remain in school.
“Education is an investment that transforms families and communities. Homes that educate their children are more likely to escape poverty, while those that neglect education risk perpetuating ignorance and hardship,” Rwamutojo said.
He criticized parents who fail to educate their children, saying they contribute to many of the social challenges facing families and communities.
Meanwhile, Kicwamba High School Headteacher Robert Josey Dembe said the parents’ meeting was organized to update parents on the school’s academic performance, achievements, students’ welfare, and future development plans.
Dembe thanked parents who attended the meeting in large numbers and encouraged them to remain committed to supporting their children’s education.
However, he expressed concern that some students report to school without essential requirements, a situation he said affects academic performance and has contributed to cases of theft in the school dormitories.
He appealed to parents to closely monitor their children, provide proper parental guidance, promote religious values, and instill discipline and good morals, saying these are essential in raising responsible and productive citizens.
