This innovative initiative, run in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) since 2017, is transforming breakfast habits among primary school children through enhanced nutritional well-being and school attendance, benefitting over one million learners nationwide.
Storm, the Rama Good Breakfast Programme Manager, says the programme is a beacon for positive change, advocating better nutrition in schools.
“It is a comprehensive 21-day behaviour change campaign that targets young children and ensures that learning about the significance of consuming a nourishing breakfast is not only informative but also interactive and fun,” she explains.
The cornerstone of the programme is interactive classes that teach children the importance and makeup of a good breakfast. These sessions include the iconic "Breakfast Beat" song written by the renowned musician, Proverb, and vibrant comic book characters.
Together, these elements give children a deeper understanding of the diverse food groups that constitute a nutritious breakfast.
Apart from school activities, the programme uses collaborative activities to foster learner-parent partnerships that encourage families to embrace the importance of breakfast and adopt lasting healthy eating habits.
“It’s yet another facet of the programme’s holistic solution to ensure a nutritious breakfast becomes a lifestyle for children,” notes Storm.
Impact on Learners
This year, 360 Gauteng schools were enrolled into the programme, reaching over 320 thousand learners and at least 320 champion teachers. One of the teachers, Jabulani Mbatha from Lehlasedi Primary School stated, “This programme had a huge impact on our learners as it contributed to excellent performance and the active involvement of learners.”
Her sentiment was shared by many other teachers on the support WhatsApp group by way of voice notes, texts and videos.
Storm says this impact would not be possible without the enthusiastic teachers. And, in honour of the role they play, schools that went above and beyond were acknowledged for their efforts.
Among this year’s participants, 10 schools were awarded R15,000 each in kitchen equipment at a prize-giving on 30th August 2023. Bathokwa Primary School in Pretoria was the stand-out recipient for 2023 having achieved the highest Active Participation score. These prizes will further support the schools’ commitment to fostering healthy breakfast habits.
Measurable Success
In addition to the positive feedback it receives from schools, Storm says that Rama also conducts its own survey directly with the children, pre and post each Good Breakfast Programme’s roll-out to measure any shifts in behaviour.
This year’s impressive results demonstrate its continued uptake and success among learners, educators and parents:
| MEASURE | PRE vs POST Result | IMPROVEMENT |
| What is Breakfast? | 78% vs 94% | Up 16% |
| The Importance of a Good Breakfast and its Effect on the Body? | 80% vs 100% | Up 20% |
| Learners Eating Breakfast | 80% vs 97% | Up 17% |
We are delighted with the results as they confirm that the programme has not only affected children’s eating habits but has created a beneficial ripple effect throughout schools and communities, reinforcing the value of a nutritious breakfast and its broader benefits.
These encouraging outcomes underscore the fact that the Rama Good Breakfast Programme is more than a campaign; it's a movement that nurtures healthier minds and bodies, ensuring that South Africa's youth is equipped for success.
