Alternate School Feeding Programme: Nigeria inaugurates Technical Working Group

The Nigerian Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has inaugurated a Technical Working Group, TWG, on the Alternate School Feeding Programme, ASP.

Inaugurating the TWG in Abuja, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq said the National Steering Committee inaugural meeting, moved for the establishment of a Technical Working Group,

she said this would ensure effective planning and implementation of the Alternate School Feeding  Programme, with representatives drawn from institutions represented by members of the National Steering Committee and other key organisations.

According to her, it is important that all members remain mindful of the numerous benefits of the Alternate School Programme to the children, their households, their communities and the Nigerian economy at large.

“Through this programme, every child, irrespective of social, cultural or economic standing, can gain access to quality education, using the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programmes, as delivered through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, to absorb certain socio-economic shocks that they may be exposed to”.  

“Beyond education provision, the programme should be seen as a means of improving the future outcomes of the children and all the way to the larger Nigerian economy. It will also equip the children with life-long skills to enable them, in the future, contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian economy, provide some household income for their respective families and create employment for members of the local community, thus improving their local economy,” the Minister explained.

Farouq stated that effective collaboration remained the mainstay of the Committee.

The Technical Working Group is to be Chaired by the National Coordinator, National Social Investment Programme and Co-Chaired by a representative from the Federal Ministry of Education.

TERMS OF REFERENCE:

1. Develop a Strategic Framework for the implementation of the ASP across the country;
2. Design a comprehensive stakeholder mapping strategy to identify and ensure effective engagement for successful delivery of the programme nationwide;

3. Design the consultative and planning process for effective take-off of the ASP Initiative;

4. Prepare a Statement of Work for consideration and approval by the ASP-NSC;
5. Ensure the effective and timely implementation of all approved field work on the ASP;
6. Design a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact Assessment Framework to enhance the effectiveness of the programme;

7. Conduct detailed analysis, prepare timely progress reports and submit proposals for enhancing the effectiveness of the Programme for the ASP-NSC consideration;

8. Maintain comprehensive database and records on the implementation of the ASP; and

9. Undertake all other works and assignments as directed by the ASP-NSC to  ensure successful implementation and impacts of the programme on Nigerians.

Confidence Okwuchi