Strengthening Food Safety in Schools: Kayonza Leaders Take Action to Protect Students

In a concerted effort to strengthen food safety and quality standards in school feeding programs, the Rwanda Standards Bureau (RSB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP), has launched a nationwide training program to improve food safety supervision.

On December 12, 2024, awareness efforts reached Kayonza and Nyagatare Districts. The initiative, which began in 11 districts, focuses on equipping school leaders with the skills to monitor food preparation and assist kitchen staff in providing safe and healthy meals to students.

These efforts underscore critical measures such as regular medical check-ups—scheduled at least every six months—for all kitchen staff, along with intensified supervision of food handling and hygiene practices in schools. According to RSB, this initiative is vital for preventing diseases and ensuring compliance with food safety standards, ultimately safeguarding students’ health.

Telespore, Headmaster of Nyamirama Secondary School, highlighted the importance of monitoring kitchen staff to maintain quality standards in student meals. “In order to enforce regulations, we will monitor our workers and provide health care supervision over a six-month period,” he said.

Mukamusoni Angelique, Master of Gahini Primary School, echoed similar views, emphasizing the role of supervision in ensuring food safety. “Supervising kitchen staff is critical as it plays a significant role in adhering to health and safety guidelines for food preparation,” she noted.

Hope Munganyinka, Vice Mayor in charge of Finance and Economic Development in Kayonza, praised the RSB initiative and affirmed the district’s support. “It is essential to cooperate with school officials to monitor school feeding programs and address any health issues of kitchen staff to prevent harm to students,” she stated.

The program has also extended to neighboring Nyagatare District, where it is treated as a top priority due to the high number of workers involved. Mukamusoni Beatrice, Education Inspector in Karangazi Sector, emphasized the importance of accountability. “Supervising kitchen workers in schools is our responsibility, and we value integrity and close monitoring to achieve this,” she explained.

Hakizimana Naivasha Bella from RSB stressed the need for rigorous supervision to mitigate health risks for both kitchen staff and students. “All activities aimed at supervising student meals must meet health standards to prevent disease outbreaks, which could endanger lives,” she warned.

To ensure sustained progress, regular medical check-ups will be conducted for kitchen staff, with medical professionals providing necessary health guidance when needed.

This initiative, initially launched in 11 districts, has so far been implemented in 10 districts, including Burera, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Karongi, Rusizi, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Huye, Kayonza, and Nyagatare. Activities in Gasabo District are scheduled to begin on December 16, 2024, completing the national rollout.

Participants have expressed their appreciation for the training and acknowledged the efforts of RSB, MINICOM, and WFP in improving food safety and health standards across schools.