South African School Kids to Eat Worms

The South African Education Ministry has agreed to permit worm-eating among school children in certain parts of the country, especially the Vhembe region of its Limpopo province. Schools in the impoverished regions of Limpopo have asked for special permission to be allowed to feed their pupils the traditional food called Mashonza (the Mopane worm), which is considered a main source of animal protein in the region. The ministry says that they wish to ensure that pupils will receive a balanced high quality nutritious protein diet they have also encouraged South African school leaders to use their imagination, fantasy and creativity to create a versatile variety of healthy eating standards. Polokwane’s Pula Madibogo Primary School teacher Malehu Mamabolo reportedly welcomed the initiative claiming that students were delighted to hear that they will have the worms on the menu as this is considered a delicacy in their parts. The education ministry will have to either catch the worms themselves or dig deep into their pockets as a cup of the juicy fat Mopane worms can fetch the equivalent of more than $1, making it one of the most costliest meals in South African school history. School pupil Khensani Ziyahlo (13) allegedly said that she considered fried Mopane worms to be “ awesome. ” She claims that many of her school mates consume the delicacy at home at least once a month.