Ateam from the Ministry of Education (ME) through the National Directorate for Schools Social Action organized a seminar on green and healthy schools for the parents of students in the Suku of Da-ulu, Kailako Administrative Post, of Fahi Nehan Suku, Same Administrative Post, and Hafsa Suku of Quelikai Administrative Post.
The National Director for Schools Social Action Belchior Maria Barros said ME in partnership with national program KONSANTIL decide to organize a seminar in these three sukus given that these communities are considered vulnerable and have limited access to food.
“We have observed that these three sukus are vulnerable with their access to food and so we provide themwith trainingon how communities can contribute by participating in the green school’s program,” he said, in Dili.
He added the government used to allocate funds for schools to buy local produce grown by the community as part of the School Feeding Program but communities were not prepared to participate in the program.
“This is what we have been sharing and on how they can contribute to the school feeding program,” he said.
He explained the green school program details how communities can plant vegetables and other produce to be sold back to the schools.
The workshop was attended by the Education Directorsfrom western Municipalities, heads of sukus, communities, and youths with participant very excited about the prospect of being able to take part in the program.
Meanwhile, Education Director from Bobonaro Municipality, Alcino Brito Joao, said the purpose of this Green Schools Program will require parents to work together with the Ministry of Education and with the Ministry of Agricultureand Fisheries so they can contribute to the schools feeding program.
“We need types of gardens that can produce high volumes of produceforfeeding at schools,” he said.
He encouraged parents to implement garden in their sukus and in this way, contribute to their schools that are far from KailakoAdministrative Post.
“With this contribution parent can access to an easy market nearby [schools] rather than having to travel to Kailako that is far,” he said.
In workshop, other topics included talks about school health, personal health and hygiene, looking after the environment, and about clean water and sanitation.
