The completion of a $5 million school kitchen, funded through Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), is improving access to meals for students of Bashaizon Village in the Deep South Rupununi.
The facility is providing a more convenient space for food preparation and serving. It was established to support the school’s hot meal programme and replace the previous arrangement, where meals were prepared at the village kitchen before being taken to the school.
Speaking in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday, Senior Councillor Jacintha Johnson said the facility, although awaiting final furnishings and more equipment, has already made a positive impact on pupils, teachers and parents.
Johnson explained that the new location has made the process easier for pupils, as they no longer have to travel far to receive their meals.
“I think it’s an improvement for the school children. Before, they used the village kitchen, but now I think it is much nearer and it benefits the children and the school. They have to walk across to the kitchen and eat their breakfast and lunch,” Johnson said.
The senior councillor noted that the village is working to complete the facility, with the remaining resources expected to be used for equipment and supplies.
The hot meal programme currently benefits 39 pupils from the nursery and primary schools, along with six teachers.
This includes 20 nursery pupils and one teacher, as well as pupils and teachers attached to the primary school.
Johnson said the initiative has also helped reduce the financial burden on parents by ensuring children receive meals while at school.
“Everybody is glad to get the hot meal. We were worried because children were not taking their lunch, but now at least they are eating something, taking breakfast or lunch at the school,” she stated.
The community is also working to strengthen the programme by increasing agricultural production to provide fresh vegetables for the daily meals.