In a significant step toward improving education and child welfare, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Mr Conrad Sackey has launched the School Feeding Program at the Islamic Foundation Primary School in the Western Rural Area.
The initiative, funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, aims to provide nutritious meals to students, reinforcing a vital partnership for advancing Sierra Leone’s educational sector. The program is set to benefit over 5,000 children across 10 schools in the Western Rural Area, with plans for further expansion in the coming years.
In his keynote address, Minister Sackey emphasised the ministry’s ambitious target of reaching 2.2 million children by 2030, ensuring that students nationwide receive the nutrition they need to focus, learn, and thrive academically.
“A child well-fed is a mind well-nurtured, ready to learn and grow,” the Minister stated, underscoring the critical link between proper nutrition and academic success.
The School Feeding Program is designed to address the immediate nutritional needs of vulnerable students while simultaneously enhancing overall educational outcomes. The initiative seeks to reduce absenteeism, improve concentration, and boost academic performance by ensuring children are physically prepared for learning.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including school officials, local government representatives, and community leaders, all of whom expressed their strong support for the initiative. The program’s rollout aligns with the government’s broader commitment to holistic education, recognising the essential role of physical well-being in long-term student success.
The government remains dedicated to overcoming barriers to education, particularly in regions where food insecurity has impacted student learning. The administration hopes to foster a sustainable and impactful transformation in the education sector through strategic partnerships, such as this collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.
The School Feeding Program is a testament to the government’s continued efforts to enhance the quality of education in Sierra Leone. With sustained commitment from the government, community engagement, and international support, the program is poised to make a lasting impact—one meal, one child, one school at a time.
Adama V Conteh SLENA Correspondent
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