Iceland and the World Food Program (WFP) are teaming up to revolutionize school meals and empower women farmers in Sierra Leone, particularly in the Bonthe District. Their joint effort aims to strengthen food security, enhance children’s health, and foster sustainable development in the region.
The initiative focuses on empowering local women farmers through comprehensive training, access to necessary supplies, and a guaranteed market for their crops. Around 1,140 women farmers will benefit from this program, enhancing their livelihoods and contributing to local economic growth.
Named the “Home-Grown School Meals” program, this ambitious project targets 136 schools in the Bonthe District. Local farmers will grow fresh vegetables and nutrient-rich orange-fleshed sweet potatoes specifically for these schools, enriching the variety of nutritious foods available to students.
To ensure sustainability, the initiative will establish woodlots to provide a renewable source of cooking fuel, reducing dependence on firewood and addressing deforestation. Additionally, funds will be allocated to construct or upgrade kitchens and storage facilities in 136 schools, benefiting approximately 1,500 students.
As part of the program, locally-sourced fish will be included in the school meal menu once a week in eight schools, further enhancing the nutritional quality of meals provided to students.
Prioritizing nutritious meals aims to improve children’s health and concentration levels, leading to better attendance and academic performance. Meanwhile, women farmers will gain valuable skills and access to a stable market, boosting their incomes and fostering local development.
This collaborative effort aligns with Sierra Leone’s “Feed Salone” program and its National School Feeding Policy, promoting locally-sourced food production to strengthen food security and benefit communities both economically and socially.
The partnership between Iceland and WFP serves as a beacon of hope for the Bonthe District, setting an example for sustainable school feeding programs globally. By integrating education, economic empowerment, and environmental responsibility, this initiative promises to transform lives and secure the future for generations to come.
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