THE free-breakfast programme was launched in January by the Education Ministry. More than 4,000 pupils in primary schools across the nation are benefiting from it. 

However, this programme, which was initially supposed to be a blanket beneficial initiative for all pupils, is now only for eligible pupils from families living under the national poverty line.

In other words, a free breakfast is only provided to the needy and not those who come from well-to-do families. Prime Minister and acting Education Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says it’s not fair to give breakfast to all, meaning children from wealthier families can eat at home.

This reminds me of myself back in primary school 20 years ago. I vividly recall Dutch Lady chocolate milk as part of the menu given to my needy friends under the supplementary food programme (RMT). I was not on the list, but little did I know, I wished I could have that. I was a kid, and I did not have the concept of “rich and poor” nor “higher and lower socio-economic status”.

Some children from better socio-economic status are deprived of sufficient nutrition as well.

In fact, government-led initiative to provide free breakfast to pupils has become part and parcel of the education system in many countries.

In Finland, the free school meal started in 1948 as the central part of its education and school meal system. Being the first country in the world to serve free school meals, Finland has been incorporating school meals with a versatile and unique food education agenda orbiting around one and only basic objective: to each equally, during every school day.

Children are educated with partaking in the kitchen’s activities and decision-making. Aside from learning cooking, they are instilled with the knowledge on health, environment, economy and culture, all through the meals provided to them.

In Japan, civic education is encompassed in the free meals provided to children in schools. It is more than just food – children learn to appreciate food by having their meals with teachers and friends. Meals are sacred and joyful simultaneously. Having prayers, serving on another and picking up after meals are miniscule efforts to reinforce a culture of self-sufficiency among the children. It’s worth mentioning that there are no janitors in many schools. Children are trained to be independent and obligated in their duty after meals.

The feasibility of including every child in the PSP is worth a second thought. School meals should be integrated as the central part of our education system to enhance the civic awareness among our children.

From food, they are forged with national unity and racial integration when they are trained to sit with friends, teachers and even the parents to enjoy their meals. These are intangible values with subtle impact on the children in their middle childhood phase of growth.

Social and emotional development are explicitly enriched via a broader mingle circle.  From here, teachers and parents can cultivate the bonhomie character among children which help them to socialise well later.

This is the time when children brush up their interpersonal skills by interacting with different people. As the free breakfast programme is held between 7am and 8.30am, parents can spare some time to be with their children for a brief breakfast time. 

Companion and time from parents are always the best motivation for children to start off their school day. They are going to be enthused to kick start their day in school with a well-fed tummy and fresh brain.

Not only that, it is a golden opportunity to educate our children about food sustainability and the concept of contentment over food in their bowl. It is never too late to expose them about their baby step to protect the environment as well as own possession, by bringing own dining sets or cup.

Instead of being served by the canteen, children can be nurtured to serve others by partaking in the food distribution. The children’s path to a glorious future begins with the steps and value system given to them today. Such initiatives can help reduce the cost of food packaging as well as wages for dishwashing by the school canteen.

By all means, we do wish that our children grow up within an egalitarian society. It is more than just a meal, as cited by the former minister education. It is an educational tool to nurture our children with values and knowledge. Therefore, all pupils should be included in the programme to stymie any inequal mindset among the little brain.

We believe education is for all, and why not breakfast for all. – February 12, 2020.

* Iris Ng Pei Yi reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.