An Assessment on The Effects of School Based-Feeding Program on School Enrolment, Attendance and Academic Performance in Maria Paz Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

School-Based Feeding Program is essential in our country whether it is developed or developing. The primary assumption of SBFP is that education and learning depend on good nutrition and could increase school attendance. Furthermore, the Department of Education recommends comprehensive school based feeding program that include not only school feeding, but also systematic de-worming, micro nutrient supplementation, safe cooking facilities, clean drinking water from the faucets and improved sanitation. As of 2016, this program is executed, still there are number of recipients. In this study we discovered the reasons School Feeding Program has enhanced school enrolment, attendance and academic performance to SBFP beneficiaries in Maria Paz Elementary school.

METHODS

Several methods were used the descriptive and inferential methods. We also conducted a focus group discussion with parents' beneficiaries in which they are the participants. Fifty-one set of questionnaires in the same area have an open and closed questions to which respondents reacted. Then, administered the instruments starting with the head teacher, teachers and proceeded to the respective recipients and administered the instruments personally. The effects of School-based Feeding Program on pupil’s academic performance was also recorded. The collected data was further tabulated.

RESULTS

For the case of pupils in focus group discussion revealed that they attended school regularly because they were encouraged by the food they received from school. During interview with parents, some mentioned that pupils were encouraged by the parents to attend school regularly because they were able to get food while studying but few parents said, "Helping in school feeding discouraged pupils from poor families to attend school regularly because of their work." Most weak pupils were able to go to school, when enough rations of food were delivered every day to avoid break in feeding that might cause absenteeism among pupils". Children were forced to walk long distances to located schools to receive education. This improvement was attributed to the presence of the school feeding.

DISCUSSIONS

The findings and results established the necessity for dynamic involvement School-Based Feeding Program in order to be more effective and enhance school enrolment, attendance and academic performance in selected malnourished pupils in Maria Paz Elementary School. Assessment of the effects of school based feeding program on school enrolment, attendance and academic performance, was a continuous component in pupils achievement.