RUKUNGIRI-The Rukungiri Pamoja Farmers Association (RUPFA) has trained more than 400 students and 16 teachers in preparing pumpkin soup as part of its Thrive Africa Vegan School Lunch Campaign.
The training took place today at Rukungiri Universal Primary School in Butagasi Cell, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality.Led by Project Manager John Kashobera, RUPFA aims to empower school cooks with plant-based cooking skills to promote healthier, more affordable, and environmentally friendly meals.
“This marks a milestone in our campaign to provide nutritious, plant-based meals for schoolchildren while reducing dependence on costly, resource-intensive animal products,” Kashobera said.
The training showcased pumpkin soup — a dish rich in vitamin A, fiber, and potassium — praised for boosting eye health, immunity, digestion, and overall vitality. Other skills introduced include making tofu and soymilk as protein-rich alternatives to meat.
Dyabahika Edward, Health Inspector for Western Division, hailed the initiative for supporting children’s nutrition while promoting environmental responsibility. Headteacher Kenneth Tugaineyo and teacher Josephine Atukwatse of Rukungiri Universal Primary School reported strong student enthusiasm for the new meals and thanked RUPFA for driving change in school feeding program.
Project trainer Violah Ankunda emphasized RUPFA’s broader mission: empowering smallholder farmers through sustainable agriculture, crop diversification, and regenerative farming practices.
She revealed plans to expand the program to more schools, integrate locally sourced ingredients, and foster peer learning among cooking teams.
The Thrive Africa Vegan School Lunch Campaign operates across multiple African countries, with RUPFA representing Rukungiri’s contribution toward better student health, environmental stewardship, and compassion for animals.
