Huaytong village: A school meals initiative supported by the World Food Programme is helping improve children’s education and nutrition in a remote village of Oudomxay Province, while encouraging families to support their children’s learning.
According to Lao News Agency, the programme has made a noticeable impact on the lives of families in Huaytong Village, many of whom belong to the Hmong ethnic group and rely on farming for their livelihoods. Traditionally, children would join their parents in the fields, leading to irregular school attendance. However, the introduction of the School Meals Programme has changed this pattern, resulting in more children attending classes regularly.
Ms Dam, a resident of the village, highlighted the benefits of the programme, noting its positive effects on local families and schoolchildren. She expressed gratitude to the World Food Programme for introducing the initiative, which has significantly impacted her own children and relatives. Inspired by the changes, Ms Dam volunteers to cook meals for the students, contributing eggs from her family to support the programme.
The School Meals Programme not only provides nutritious lunches but also fosters community participation. Parents and villagers actively engage by contributing food ingredients and assisting in meal preparation for the students. This communal effort has strengthened the village’s commitment to education.
Mr. Sichan Santisouk, Director of Huaytong Primary School, emphasized the programme’s influence on school attendance, noting a steady increase in student numbers since its inception in 2008. The school now has 187 students enrolled for the 2025-2026 academic year, with girls making up 97 of the attendees.
Before the programme’s implementation, many children missed classes as they accompanied their parents to work in the fields. The initiative has eliminated this need, allowing children to stay in school and focus on their studies. Mr. Sichan pointed out that the programme has been particularly beneficial for girls, providing them with more opportunities to pursue education and complete their studies.
With ongoing community support and assistance from development partners, the school meals programme is creating a stronger learning environment for children in rural areas. For families like Ms Dam’s, the initiative not only enhances nutrition but also paves the way for a brighter future for the next generation in Huaytong Village.