Should schools abolish canteens?

Very many schools in Rwanda have removed canteens to insure uniformity amongst students while some still allow students to enjoy them. Society Magazine’s Sheilla Rukundo sought views of different people on the matter.During my high school I was a day scholar. During lunchtime I rarely ate school food because I never liked it. I used to carry money so I could buy something from the canteen during break time and lunch time. I strongly disagree with the policy of removing canteens because not everyone is able to handle school food.Tatiana Umutesi Mulima, Airtel employeeThey should be totally removed. We parents sometimes face the consequences of their presence. The kids’ start demanding money we cannot afford to eat in the canteen like their peers. This despite the fact that they have no issues with the food served by the school. Canteens create room for many more expenses.Anne Kayiranga, Business ladyThe head can’t think when the stomach is not okay. I suggest that they leave the canteen there. What happens when a student misses a meal? How are they going to concentrate? Jolly Assimwe, Human Resource Consultant I don’t see any reason why they should remove them. People will never have the same amount of money. So those who have money and feel like they want to change the diet should not be denied their rights by removing canteens.Fred Ndoli, KIST student Canteens are not good especially for students that are extravagant. You find them spending lots of money and worrying about going to the canteen rather than going to class. Ayebale Kagina, Computer EngineerSince many schools are not yet able to provide different meals or even good breakfast there is no reason to remove canteens. Moreen Uwizeye, High school leaverStudents keep feeding on the same meals like posho, beans and rice. So when there are canteens students are be able to buy milk in order to change diet. Canteens should not be removed.Emilita Nirere, motherI strongly support schools that have removed them and even those in the process. I think these canteens are the root cause of theft amongst students. Not everyone is able afford money for them so it brings about class differences and students develop the habit of stealing so they can afford to go to the canteen. Venant Kadaffi, scientist