By Monica Kayombo,Zambia, Lusaka,
The Headteachers Association of Zambia (HAZ) has declared that school headteachers remain the backbone of Zambia’s School Feeding Programme, stating that their leadership is critical in ensuring that thousands of learners stay in class, remain healthy, and perform better academically.
HAZ National Dean Mr. Kenneth Mueya said headteachers are not merely administrators, but frontline implementers of government policy whose work directly determines the success of the School Feeding Programme in schools across the country.
“Headteachers are the bridge between government policy and the classroom reality,” Mr. Mueya said. “When a child receives a meal at school, it is not by accident. It is because headteachers have coordinated communities, mobilized resources, ensured accountability, and supervised every stage of the programme.”
Mr. Mueya explained that HAZ members play a central role in interpreting and implementing Ministry of Education guidelines, ensuring that feeding programmes are run efficiently while adapting to local school environments.
He said beyond government support, headteachers have continued to mobilize communities, parents, cooperating partners, and local businesses to contribute food supplies such as maize, beans, and vegetables to sustain the programme during periods of shortages.
“In many cases, headteachers have become resource mobilizers and community organizers. They are ensuring that no learner is sent away from school because of hunger,” he said.
Mr. Mueya further noted that headteachers coordinate the procurement and maintenance of cooking utensils, storage facilities, kitchens, and serving shelters through PTA initiatives and community partnerships aimed at promoting hygiene and food safety.
He stressed that maintaining health standards remained a key priority, with school administrators ensuring that food handlers possess valid health certificates and receive training in hygiene and safe food handling practices.
“A school feeding programme can only succeed where there is discipline, transparency, and proper health standards. Our members are working tirelessly to safeguard learners while delivering this important service,” Mr. Mueya said.
The HAZ National Dean added that headteachers also oversee daily feeding operations, monitor food stocks and learner attendance, and submit reports to school communities, Parent-Teacher Associations, and District Education Board Secretaries (DEBS).
According to Mr. Mueya, the reports generated by schools help shape policy improvements at the Ministry level while strengthening transparency and accountability in the programme.
He said the School Feeding Programme had become more than just a welfare initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in education and national development.
“A hungry child cannot concentrate in class. By ensuring consistent feeding programmes in schools, headteachers are helping improve attendance, retention, and ultimately learning outcomes for Zambian children,” he said.
Mr. Mueya reaffirmed HAZ’s commitment to working with government and communities to strengthen the School Feeding Programme and ensure that it continues benefiting vulnerable learners across the country.
