In just over a month following its launch, Rwandans have raised Rwf 22,587,196 through the ‘Dusangire Lunch’ campaign, translated as ‘Let us share Lunch,’ to support the school feeding programme.

Rose Baguma, Director General of Education Policy and Analysis at the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), told The New Times that the campaign was launched in late June in collaboration with Mobile Money (MoMo) Rwanda and Umwalimu SACCO.

According to Baguma, the campaign is a "long-awaited initiative” enabling individuals, institutions, the private sector, companies, and organizations to contribute to the program.

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"This initiative reflects the stakeholders’ appreciation for the program and their eagerness to participate as part of their social responsibility. Through this partnership, various contributors can support the program using various methods,” she said.

Speaking on the community’s contributions, Baguma mentioned, "Contributions are ongoing. So far, we have raised Rwf 22,587,196 and are actively following up on more commitments and pledges,” She said, adding that there is no set timeline or target for how much money will be collected but officials said they will keep monitoring the progress of the campaign.

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Contributions can be made through channels such as MoMo, Umwalimu SACCO account, and X challenges, among others. Baguma highlighted that, in addition to the government’s substantial efforts in funding, monitoring, and formulating policies and guidelines, the involvement of parents and stakeholders has been crucial to the programme’s success.

As the new academic year starts next month, Baguma noted that community support is crucial for enhancing the program. Improvements are envisaged in areas such as kitchens, kitchen equipment, clean water supply, cooking energy, hygiene practices, food safety measures, and other aspects contributing to better programme implementations.

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The school feeding programme was expanded in 2021 to cover all learners in basic education, from pre-primary through secondary levels. The number of beneficiaries surged from approximately 600,000 to 4,500,000.

During this period, government funding for the program increased significantly, rising from Rwf 27 billion in 2020/2021 to Rwf 90 billion in 2023/2024. Since its expansion across the country in 2021, primary school dropout rates have decreased by 4 percent.

Currently, the government covers 90 percent of the school feeding cost per child, with parents contributing approximately Rwf 1,000 per trimester.

"Since the expansion, the MINEDUC has been actively monitoring the program, enhancing its implementation, and engaging various stakeholders to ensure its success,” Baguma said.

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During Umuganura celebrations on August 2, school feeding took center stage. The Minister for National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean Damascene Bizimana, emphasized the importance of the national school feeding program for ensuring that no Rwandan child drops out of school to work for a living.

Bizimana called upon non-governmental organizations, religious organizations, the private sector, and Rwandans in general to support the program, stating that education would not be possible without accessible food.