The Ministry of Education has embarked upon implementation of a self-service program for food and beverage at school canteens.
Vending machines were distributed at 12 schools in Riyadh for boys and girls. These machines will placed at traditional service canteens with the aim of gradually laying off manpower and eradicating problems associated with it.
A nutritious variety will be introduced by these vending machines, including fruit and dates.
Reports submitted to the King Abdullah Project to Develop Public Education, "Tatweer," indicated that the process is going smoothly at schools included in the program. However, a poll or referendum that will include students will be conducted for the evaluation of the experience and its success.
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Misnad, director-general of education in Riyadh, said that the Directorate, with the cooperation of Tatweer Education Holding Company, began implementing the self-service program at six schools for boys and another six for girls, during the second semester of the academic year. "The selection process for schools was based on accurate grounds to receive accredited feedback on the program," he added.
"These vending machines are very sophisticated and modern," said Hesa Al-Issa, director of student services, indicating that the machine includes a sim-card that links it with a control and supervision center.
"It can serve 80 students at one time, with 60 different types of food and beverage placed in suitable storage temperatures," she concluded.
She pointed out that an organizational plan was developed with the cooperation of Tatweer to select defined schools to work out this experience, with a field survey to be conducted later to ensure its success.
School canteens to have smart vending machines
