LAHORE: The University of Education (UE) has launched a project “School Milk Programme” for students in 90 schools.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Pearl Continental hotel on Tuesday. Punjab Minister for Higher Education Raja Yassir Humayun Sarfraz, Minister for Livestock Husnain Bahadar Dreshak, Minister for Social Welfare Yawar Abbas Bukhari, UE Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha and Friesland Engro Pak Ltd Managing Director Ali Ahmad Khan were also present.

The programme has been designed for students of 90 primary schools located in remote areas of Attock and Sheikhupura under the Public School Support Programme of UE.

UE VC Prof Pasha said the project was started in the light of the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan who showed concerns about the the problems of malnutrition among children.

He said Rs8.5 million would be spent from university’s own resources to provide free milk to students.

Dr Pasha said the purpose of the programme is to improve the nutrition level of students to enhance their academic achievements.

He said Friesland Engro Pak Ltd. will support the research component of the plan in terms of milk supply chain, providing resources for research. The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, and University of Education (UVAS) will jointly do research on impact of milk feeding on nutrition status of children and their school performance.

Minister Mr Sarfraz said malnutrition is a global issue and unfortunately Pakistan is one of the counties included in the list where a large number of children are suffering from malnutrition, stunted growth and underweight. “This project can overcome their problem to a greater extent.”

The focal person of the programme, Dr Intizar Hussain Butt, briefed the participants in detail about the project.

Later, UE, UVAS and Friesland Engro Pak Ltd also signed a memorandum of understanding.

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2021