THE PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME ON GIRLS ATTAINMENT OF EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES: A CASE OF SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN PHALOMBE DISTRICT

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived effects of SFP on girls‟ attainment of educational outcomes in low and high income community primary schools in Phalombe District. It tried to find out girls‟ trends in academic performance, the difference in academic performance between girls with and without SFP and parents, learners and teachers perceptions on the effects of SFP. The study employed phenomenological research design whereby the qualitative approach was applied. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants in the research. The data was generated through questionnaire, interview guides, focus group discussions and observation checklists. The findings revealed that girls‟ trends in academic performance from two high-income community primary schools with and without SFP were almost the same. The findings from schools with SFP revealed that out of 20 girls, 13 girls representing 65% performed well with levels: 3=7girls, ,2=6 girls,1=7 girls and4= no girls. Girls from non-SFP revealed 11 girls representing 55% with levels: 3=3 girls, 2=8 girls, 1= 9 girls and 4none. Girls from low income schools with SFP performed far much better than without SFP. Their results showed 18 girls representing 90% and their levels: 1= 2 girls, 2 six girls, 3= 9 girls and4=3 girls and for non-SFP showed 10 girls representing50% with levels: 1=10 girls, 2=10 girls,3 and 4 none. The study also revealed that stakeholders have positive views of SFP. The findings showed that SFP has an effect on girls‟ educational outcomes. This implies that academic performance can be improved through SFP, as such, due attention must be given to girls' need for feeding. Therefore, the study recommends government to sustain the SFP. Hence, conducting this study was necessary.