September 25, marks World School Milk Day (WSMD) as designated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), which started in 2000. This global celebration is in its’ 25th year and will be celebrated across the world. It has become an annual event on the last Wednesday of September held in many countries throughout the world. DBE marked WSMD for the first time in 2016 and continues, through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), to join other nations to mark this day.

World School Milk Day aims to highlight the important role that dairy plays in the lives of school going children. The objective is to create awareness and inform the school communities of how dairy meets the nutritional needs of children, to give them the GO that they need throughout the day. In keeping with the global Climate Change and Environmental Health Rights agenda, 2025 World School Milk Day (WSMD) will be celebrated under the theme, “Strong Bones, Strong Moves: Milk Matters for Sport and Growing Bodies!" 

The DBE, Provincial Education Department (PEDs) in collaboration with Consumer Education Project (CEP) of Milk SA will once again highlight the positive contribution milk has in the school communities. "Fuel your game with milk" is a key focus area which aims to highlight milk as the ultimate sport and bone-health ally for growing children. This campaign will use sport and physical activities to connect with school-aged learners, educators and parents. It highlights how milk fuels strength, supports muscle recovery, and helps build bone density - key for physical performance and lifelong health.

Contact Persons:
Ms Lydia Maotoe: Tel. 012 357 3481 | email Maotoe.l@dbe.gov.za  
Mr Clerkford Buthane: Tel. 012 357 3406 | email Buthane.c@dbe.gov.za