Lideta branch office of the Fo...

 Lideta branch office of the Food and Medicine Authority is working diligently to establish model childcare centers, schools, and school-based feeding programs.
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October 23, 2019 (Tikimt 23, 2019 E.C.)

In collaboration with the sub-city’s Education Office, the Lideta branch of the Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Authority is implementing a 90-day plan to develop model institutions. This initiative focuses on 26 schools, 20 school-based feeding programs, and 11 childcare centers. Additionally, efforts are underway to ensure that the areas within a 500-meter radius of these schools remain free from disruptive or harmful activities.

Through inspections and monitoring conducted at these 26 schools, 20 school-based feeding programs, and 11 public childcare centers, several shortcomings were identified. These include poor sanitation in restrooms and inadequate waste disposal, a failure to clean water storage tanks (rotos) every three months, and the absence of up-to-date health check-ups for childcare workers. Mr. Belayneh Gebru, General Manager of the branch office, indicated that—in line with the 90-day intensive action plan—efforts are underway to ensure that services related to hygiene and sanitation, school feeding programs, and childcare centers meet established standards. He further noted that work is being prioritized to create model, high-quality institutions by ensuring that the areas within a 500-meter radius of schools remain free from tobacco and illicit drugs.

Additionally, Mr. Belayneh emphasized the need to identify gaps at various levels—based on feedback received—and to work with determination to resolve these issues. He further directed that, in order to foster a conducive teaching and learning environment, focused attention must be placed on the root sources of tobacco and drug-related concerns in the vicinity of schools.