With an aim to inculcate the importance of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle in the minds of young children, the education ministry for the first time observed the National School Nutrition Day on March 23.
The day was observed at the Yangchengatshel Middle secondary school in Chamgang, Thimphu. As part of the day, the education ministry also launched a revised Dietary Guidelines for School-Aged Children.
According to the national nutrition survey of 2015, 21 % of children under the age of five are stunted, 9% are underweight, and 4.3% are wasted. Anaemia is still a major public health problem and vitamin B1 deficiency among school children is also a reason for concern.
The education ministry says school nutrition and feeding have a direct impact on school enrolment, attendance, completion and academic achievements.
Officials said nutrition education is an important tool to prevent malnutrition, address nutritional deficiencies and to reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases.
“We observed the day at a school level because we feel that students are in the process of learning and it is easy for them to change their behaviour. Basically, this program is aimed at changing the behaviour of our students so that they have a healthy eating habit in their daily lives,” Tashi Namgyel, the deputy chief programme officer with the school health and nutrition division of education ministry, said.
“Observing the day helped me in understanding the importance of eating a balanced diet and healthy habits,” Sonam Tobgay, a student, said.
Realising the importance of proper nutrition in schools, the education ministry will be observing the day across the schools in the country annually.
