NAXIENGDEE VILLAGE: A school lunch program supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) has significantly improved educational outcomes and reduced dropout rates at Naxiengdee Village Primary School, located in the remote and mountainous region of Houn District, Oudomxay Province.
According to Lao News Agency, the initiative has facilitated group activities, additional learning opportunities during lunch breaks, and reduced the need for students to return home for meals. This has alleviated financial burdens on families and provided numerous other benefits, as noted by Mr. Haem Souvanaly, Director of Naxiengdee Primary School. The school caters to both kindergarten and primary students, serving over 300 children with the help of seven teachers. Despite the program’s success, Mr. Haem highlighted challenges, such as the inadequate government-provided daily lunch allowance due to inflation.
The program, which was handed over to the Lao PDR government by the WFP in 2019 and 2021, covers 515 schools and focuses
on integrating community-driven agricultural activities. It involves local households in planting, farming, and establishing chicken and fish farms, with resources like fish fingerlings, laying hens, and vegetable seeds provided to participating families. Community involvement is crucial, with families contributing firewood, food, and utensils, and parents taking turns cooking meals.
The initiative has yielded positive results, including increased student attendance and collaboration during lunch breaks. The program’s success relies on the collaboration of government agencies, communities, and supporting organizations, demonstrating the power of collective efforts in enhancing children’s education and overall well-being.
Beyond school meals, the program emphasizes local education and agricultural development, fostering knowledge exchange and promoting nutritional awareness. It supports the creation of village-level nutrition development plans to improve agricultural techniques and conduct training on prepar
ing nutritious meals. Additionally, the program strengthens resilience against natural disasters through disaster management plans and community infrastructure improvements.
In Oudomxay Province, the WFP’s activities extend across seven districts, focusing on school meals, nutrition, and community asset building for disaster resilience, thereby fostering a sustainable and supportive educational environment.