BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS –TAVI continues to make a meaningful impact in Eswatini’s schools as Phase II of the Taiwan-Africa Vegetable Initiative brought together school cooks and focal teachers from Manzini and Shiselweni for a practical training workshop held at Malkerns Research Station.
The workshop, held on 18 May 2026, focused on equipping participants with hands-on skills in nutrition, food safety, hygiene, and the preparation of healthier meals using Traditional African Vegetables.
The initiative is designed to strengthen school feeding programmes, improve learner health, promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and create support systems for local smallholder farmers.
Speaking during the training, Nozizwe Zwane, Principal Home Economics Officer under the Ministry of Agriculture, encouraged schools to prioritise nutritious and well-presented meals for learners.
“We must ensure that what we feed our learners is not only filling but nutritious and attractive. Schools have the potential to grow what they cook and cook what they grow. Strengthening food production within schools and embracing our local vegetables is key to nourishing our children while supporting agriculture,” she said.
Thobile Gamedze, Senior Inspector for Nutrition under the Ministry of Education and Training, highlighted the importance of the initiative in strengthening the school feeding programme.
“This project is helping us turn school gardens into centres of nutrition, learning, and healthier futures. School cooks and focal teachers are gaining practical knowledge that will directly improve learner health and the quality of meals served in our schools,” she noted.
She also applauded the collaboration between ministries and partners supporting the programme.
“In our school feeding programme, we focus on meal provision, food production, and nutrition education. Through the support we receive, we are able to realise all three. Collaboration is what allows us to go further and achieve more for our children.”
Participants were encouraged to actively engage in the training and ensure that the knowledge gained is implemented when they return to their schools.
Appreciation was extended to COSPE for supporting the workshop and contributing to biodiversity, food production, and nutrition education in schools. Officials noted that the success of the first cohort of schools paved the way for Phase II to include even more institutions.
As the workshop progressed, it became evident that TAVI is not only improving how meals are prepared in schools but is also building a strong foundation for healthy eating habits, better nutrition, and a stronger connection between agriculture, education, and community wellbeing across Eswatini.
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(Courtesy Pic)
