Sudan's Ministry of Education is set to revive its school breakfast program in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP). The program aims to improve student attendance and nutrition, particularly in areas with high dropout rates. According to Dr. Ahmed Khalifa Omar, Deputy Minister of Education, the partnership will explore ways to develop the program and increase its scope. The initiative has been under discussion since 2019 but was re-launched due to the growing need for school nutrition programs.
The WFP's School Feeding Program has reached its final stages of strategic planning for 2027-2029. The program's Country Director for Nutrition and School Feeding, Joe Jacobson, announced that a workshop will be held in October in Khartoum to consult on priorities and proposed activities. The workshop will bring together stakeholders, including the Deputy Minister of Education, to discuss the program's objectives and ensure alignment with the Ministry's priorities.
The proposed partnership includes a plan to implement pilot projects in each state, targeting 4,000 students per project, for a total of 8,000 students across ten schools. The projects will involve local communities in producing school meals, with contributions from the federal government, states, and donors. The program also aims to provide technical support to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.
Dr. Ahmed Khalifa Omar emphasized the importance of providing breakfast to students, citing its positive impact on attendance and academic performance. He called for enhanced coordination among relevant stakeholders to ensure the program's continuity and success. The program's focus on local production and community involvement is expected to boost the local economy and promote sustainable development.
The WFP's School Feeding Program aligns with the Sudanese government's priorities in education and nutrition. According to Joe Jacobson, the program's strategic plan will be discussed with the Ministry's Department of Nutrition, Health, and School Agriculture to finalize a clear plan of action. The partnership aims to support the government's efforts to improve education outcomes and reduce dropout rates.
The school breakfast program was previously approved by the Sudanese Cabinet, with some observations. The Ministry of Education is working to finalize the necessary procedures to implement the program. The partnership with the WFP is expected to provide technical and financial support to ensure the program's success.
The revival of the school breakfast program is expected to have a positive impact on Sudan's education sector. With the support of the WFP, the Ministry of Education aims to improve student nutrition and attendance, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The program's success will depend on effective coordination among stakeholders and the involvement of local communities.
Key points
- The Sudanese Ministry of Education and the World Food Programme are partnering to revive the school breakfast program, aiming to improve student attendance and nutrition.
- The program will target 8,000 students across ten schools, with a focus on local production and community involvement.
- The partnership aims to support the government's efforts to improve education outcomes and reduce dropout rates.
