World School Milk Day Celebrations at Mandlomsobo Primary School Emphasise Strong Bones and Healthy Moves

The Department of Basic Education, through its National School Nutrition Programme and partners, recently celebrated the final day of World School Milk Day at Mandlomsobo Primary School. This event highlighted the critical importance of milk for children’s health, focusing on the theme “Strong Bones, Strong Moves: Milk Matters…”, to promote better nutrition among learners.

Detailed event information

• Event: The final day of the World School Milk Day celebrations.
• Location: Mandlomsobo Primary School.
• Organiser: The Department of Basic Education (DBE) through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) and its partners.
• Theme: “Strong Bones, Strong Moves: Milk Matters…”
• Date: The event was underway on September 26, 2025.

Departmental activities

The Department of Basic Education, working through its vital National School Nutrition Programme, recently concluded the World School Milk Day celebrations at Mandlomsobo Primary School. This event underscored our commitment to ensuring learners receive the necessary nutrition for optimal growth and learning.

This year’s theme, “Strong Bones, Strong Moves: Milk Matters…”, powerfully highlighted the crucial role milk plays in children’s development. We believe that nutritious meals, including milk, are fundamental for our learners to thrive academically and physically.

The NSNP, in collaboration with its dedicated partners, consistently strives to provide balanced meals to millions of learners across the country. Such initiatives are key to combating hunger and improving concentration in the classroom, laying a solid foundation for their future. You can find more information about our broader efforts on our official website.

Events like World School Milk Day are not just about providing food; they are about educating our learners and communities on healthy eating habits. By promoting milk consumption, we are encouraging a generation of children with stronger bones and the energy to engage actively in school and play. For updates on other activities, please visit our news section.

Questions and answers

1. What is World School Milk Day?
   World School Milk Day is an annual event celebrated globally to highlight the importance of milk for children’s health and nutrition within schools.
2. What is the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP)?
   The NSNP is a programme by the DBE that provides nutritious meals to learners in identified public schools, aiming to enhance their learning capacity and overall well-being.
3. Which schools benefit from the NSNP?
   Primarily, learners in no-fee public schools benefit from the NSNP, ensuring that those from disadvantaged backgrounds receive at least one healthy meal per school day.
4. How does the NSNP help learners?
   It helps reduce hunger, improves concentration, promotes school attendance, and contributes to the overall health and well-being of learners, allowing them to focus better on their studies.
5. Why is milk important for children?
   Milk is rich in calcium and other essential nutrients vital for developing strong bones and teeth, supporting growth, and providing energy for physical activity and learning.
6. How can my child’s school participate in similar initiatives?
   Schools should contact their provincial education department or the DBE directly to inquire about eligibility and participation in nutrition programmes and related health campaigns.
7. Where can I find more information about the Department of Basic Education’s nutrition programmes?
   You can visit the Department of Basic Education’s official website for detailed information on the NSNP and other programmes.
8. Are there other health programmes offered by the DBE?
   Yes, the DBE collaborates with various partners on a range of health and well-being initiatives for learners, including deworming, vision screening, and health education. More news on our activities can be found on our news page.