South Africa celebrates World School Milk Day to promote children’s health

Today, the Department of Basic Education (DBE), through its Directorate of National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), is celebrating World School Milk Day (WSMD) with a special roadshow in Gauteng. This event, organised in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), Milk South Africa, the National Osteoporosis Foundation, Danone South Africa, and other dairy companies, aims to teach children at three schools in Ekangala and Bronkhorstspruit about how important milk is for their health, growth, and strength. This global celebration is now in its 25th year, and the DBE has been marking it annually since 2016 as part of its ongoing efforts to support children’s nutrition.

Detailed list of activities and participants

• Event: World School Milk Day (WSMD) commemoration roadshow.
• Key organisers and collaborators:
  • The Department of Basic Education’s Directorate of National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP)
  • Gauteng Department of Education (GDE)
  • Milk South Africa
  • National Osteoporosis Foundation
  • Danone South Africa
  • Other dairy processors
• Locations for the roadshow: Three schools located in Ekangala and Bronkhorstspruit.
• Main purpose: To highlight and emphasise the crucial role that milk plays in promoting the growth, strength, and overall health of children.
• Global history: This year marks the 25th anniversary of World School Milk Day being observed around the world.
• DBE’s history with the event: The Department of Basic Education first joined the global celebration of World School Milk Day in 2016 and has continued to commemorate it every year since, particularly through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).

Our commitment to children’s health: celebrating world school milk day

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is proud to once again join nations across the globe in celebrating World School Milk Day (WSMD). This year marks a significant milestone, with the global event celebrating its 25th anniversary. For our part, the DBE first began observing this important day in 2016 and has since made it an annual fixture within our National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).

Today, our Directorate of National School Nutrition Programme, in a strong collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), Milk South Africa, the National Osteoporosis Foundation, Danone South Africa, and various other dedicated dairy processors, is taking this celebration directly to the heart of our communities. We are conducting a vibrant roadshow at three schools in the areas of Ekangala and Bronkhorstspruit.

The core message of World School Milk Day is simple yet profound: milk is essential for our children. It plays a vital role in their physical development, helping them to grow strong bones, build muscle, and maintain overall good health. Through this roadshow, we aim to educate learners, teachers, and parents about the incredible nutritional benefits of milk, reinforcing healthy eating habits that will benefit children for a lifetime.

The Department of Basic Education remains committed to ensuring that all South African children have access to nutritious meals and are educated about healthy lifestyle choices. Our ongoing efforts, like the National School Nutrition Programme and events such as World School Milk Day, are fundamental to achieving this goal. You can find more information about our departmental activities and news by visiting our activities page.

Questions and answers for the public

1. What is World School Milk Day?

   World School Milk Day is an annual global event celebrated on the last Wednesday of September. It highlights the importance of milk in schools and its health benefits for children.

2. Why does the Department of Basic Education celebrate this day?

   The DBE celebrates World School Milk Day to emphasise the essential role milk plays in children’s growth, strength, and overall health, aligning with our goals of ensuring proper nutrition for learners through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).

3. Which schools are involved in this year’s celebration roadshow?

   This year, the roadshow is visiting three schools located in the Ekangala and Bronkhorstspruit areas of Gauteng.

4. Who are the partners helping the DBE with this event?

   The DBE is collaborating with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), Milk South Africa, the National Osteoporosis Foundation, Danone South Africa, and other dairy processors for this event.

5. How long has World School Milk Day been celebrated globally?

   This year marks the 25th anniversary of World School Milk Day being observed around the world.

6. When did the DBE first start celebrating World School Milk Day?

   The Department of Basic Education first commemorated World School Milk Day in 2016 and has continued to do so annually ever since.

7. How does the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) relate to this event?

   The celebration of World School Milk Day is carried out through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which is the DBE’s initiative to provide nutritious meals to learners, making this day a key part of promoting healthy eating habits.

8. What are the main benefits of milk for children?

   Milk is crucial for children’s growth, contributing to strong bones and teeth, muscle development, and providing essential vitamins and minerals for their overall health and well-being.

9. How can parents ensure their children get enough milk?

   Parents can include milk and dairy products in their children’s daily diet, offer milk as a drink with meals or snacks, and encourage consumption of other calcium-rich foods like yoghurt and cheese.

10. Where can I find more information about the Department of Basic Education’s activities?

    You can find more details about the Department’s initiatives and news on our official website: Department of Basic Education, or explore additional news and activities at our activities page.