UN agency launches school feeding program to keep 23,000 children in school

JUBA, JANUARY 34^th 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The World Food Programme (WFP) Tuesday launched a three-year school feeding program to help enroll, and retain 23,000 children in schools across South Sudan.

Mary-Ellen McGroarty, Country Director for WFP in South Sudan said the support worth U.S. $4.1 million from the Government of Canada will help children access daily nutritious meals at school.

“When conflict or climate shocks strike a community, impacting livelihoods and food availability, schooling is often one of the first things to be deprioritized by families,” said McGroarty during the signing ceremony on Tuesday in Juba.

McGroarty said the program will be channeled in areas impacted by conflict and climate shocks, both of which cause significant disruptions to education and access to food.

“Children, and especially girls, are at risk of being withdrawn from the classroom to help their family at home or to work. Others may be forced to flee their community, leaving everything behind,” said McGroarty.

“Providing regular nutritious meals takes some of the pressure off parents and supports childhood development, while also providing continuity in the classroom that will lead to better futures for the students.”

She said more than 2.8 million children are out of school across South Sudan, adding that the WFP’s school meals are a vital social safety net that help increase enrolment and attendance at schools.