The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bongo, Madam Diana Asoketarige Ayamga, has raised concerns over the sale of syringe-shaped liquid candy to schoolchildren, describing the product as inappropriate for pupils and calling for an end to its sale around schools.
Madam Ayamga made the call during a monitoring tour of basic schools in the Bongo District as part of the “My First Day in School” initiative.
According to her, the candy is packaged in plastic syringes fitted with working plungers, allowing children to squeeze the liquid contents through the tip before consuming it.
She expressed concern that such packaging could send inappropriate messages to young children and urged school authorities, parents and traders to discourage its sale within and around school environments.
“Although it is commonly sold in candy shops and wholesale outlets, I don’t think we should encourage its sale around our schools,” she said.
Madam Ayamga also raised concerns about the high sugar content of confectioneries generally, urging parents and school authorities to pay closer attention to what children consume during school hours.
She called on headteachers and teachers to monitor food and confectionery vendors operating on or near school premises and promote healthier options for pupils.
The DCE further appealed to parents and guardians to be more deliberate about the snacks their children purchase and consume.
She stressed that creating a safe and healthy school environment goes beyond providing classrooms and teaching materials, but also requires attention to children’s nutrition and wellbeing.
Madam Ayamga’s concerns come as the Bongo District Assembly intensifies its engagement with schools under the “My First Day in School” programme, which seeks to promote school attendance and create a supportive learning environment for children.
The monitoring exercise also provided an opportunity for the Assembly to engage school authorities on issues affecting pupils and identify areas requiring attention.
Madam Ayamga urged all stakeholders, including traders and parents, to work with schools to ensure that products sold to children do not undermine their wellbeing or create inappropriate associations for young learners.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102.7 MHz| Mary Aperika| Bongo
