Exploring Insights and Perspectives of Stakeholders toward the Midday Meal Program at Community Schools of Nepal

Abstract

The midday meal program, one of the assertive programs, which is initiated by the government to   ensure free and compulsory school education in Nepal. The retention rate of children from marginalized, disadvantaged communities has been increased with the effective implementation of midday meal program. This paper aims to explore the insight and perspective of stakeholders on the practice of midday meal program for ensuring free and compulsory education.Qualitative research design, along with interpretative phenomenology, was employed for this study. Two community schools located in Koshi Province were purposively selected and 12 participants including head teachers, teachers, and parents were taken for in-depth interview. The participants were interviewed via semi-structured guidelines in their convenient location, and their responses were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis techniques were employed for data analysis.The report revealed that the practice of mid day meal is essential for implementing free and compulsory education. Monitoring and supervision of program is also the mechanism for effectiveness.The mid day meal program drew the attention of stakeholders and enabled learners to participate in the classroom discourse for effective learning outcomes. Findings contribute to the advancement of holistic policy ranging from pre school intervention to post school to ensure fundamental the rights of children. Free and Compulsory Education Policy and its effective implementation bring students toward sustainable growth and positive change in learning.