At the school compound, a wide variety of fruits—including apples, jackfruit, passion fruits, soursop, and avocados and others were displayed, bringing the day’s theme to life and giving learners a practical, hands-on experience.
Pupils in the nursery section of Naggalama Junior School marked their annual Fruit Day with vibrant activities aimed at promoting healthy eating habits and awareness of the benefits of fruits.
Held under the theme “A Fruit a Day Keeps a Doctor Away,” the event brought together learners, parents, and teachers for a day dedicated to nutrition and fun. The deputy headteacher, Mariam Nakigudde, said the school has made a deliberate effort to teach young learners about the importance of fruits in their daily diet.
She noted that many children who previously showed little interest in fruits have since developed a liking for them after understanding their health benefits. “They now know why they should eat fruits like mangoes, oranges, watermelon, grapes, and avocados. It has become much easier for them to enjoy these foods, and we have received positive feedback from parents appreciating this initiative,” she said.
Nakigudde added that while some parents may not always explain the value of different foods to their children, the school’s approach has helped bridge that gap by combining learning with practical experience.
During the celebrations, pupils were grouped into four teams—Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue—and presented poems highlighting the nutritional and health benefits of fruits. The performances underscored the role fruits play not only in supporting growth and boosting immunity but also in preventing common illnesses.
Organizers also emphasized the broader importance of fruits in Uganda, noting that they contribute significantly to household nutrition and livelihoods. Common fruits such as bananas, mangoes, pineapples, oranges, papayas, and passion fruits are widely consumed across the country and provide affordable sources of essential vitamins and minerals.
Beyond nutrition, fruits are a source of income for many Ugandans. Farmers cultivate them on small plots and sell in local markets, roadside stalls, and urban centers, while vendors distribute them within communities—supporting families and sustaining small businesses.
Fruits also hold cultural significance, often shared during social gatherings and celebrations as symbols of hospitality.
At the school compound, a wide variety of fruits—including apples, jackfruit, passion fruits, soursop, and avocados and others were displayed, bringing the day’s theme to life and giving learners a practical, hands-on experience.
The headteacher, Ronald Lujaganya, commended parents for their support, noting that many contributed by providing fruits and cheering on the learners during their presentations. He emphasized that the school is committed not only to academic excellence but also to co-curricular development, revealing plans to organize a sports event next term.
Parents and teachers also took part in games that reinforced the day’s theme.
One parent, Mariam Nabakuuma, expressed her excitement at attending the event to watch her triplets, who recently joined the school. “I woke up at 4:00 a.m. to prepare for them and ensure we arrived on time. I couldn’t miss seeing them participate. It was such a joyful experience,” she said.
The event ended on a high note, with pupils and parents enjoying a variety of fruits as the day’s special menu while reinforcing lessons on healthy living.
