By: Kassahun Chanie
Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn officially launched the "Nourishing Future Through Regenerative School Meals UNFSS +4 High Level Convening" hosted by the Rockefeller Foundation today at the Sheraton Addis International Hotel in Addis Ababa. This significant event highlighted the vital role that school meal programs play in promoting sustainable development and tackling the pervasive issue of food insecurity across the African continent.
The convening brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials from various African nations, representatives from international organisations, and philanthropic leaders dedicated to improving the state of child nutrition.
By advocating for school meal initiatives, the participants aimed to position these programs as a fundamental component of economic and social advancement within their communities.
Throughout the event, numerous speakers emphasised the transformative potential of school meal programs, which currently reach nearly half a billion children worldwide.
These programs not only provide essential nutrition but also serve as a crucial investment in the future of the continent’s youth. Hailemariam noted, "School meal programs are not just about feeding children; they are about investing in the future of Africa," reinforcing the critical connection between adequate nutrition, educational success, and overall economic development.
Among those recognised for their impactful work was Roman Tesfaye, the former First Lady of Ethiopia.
Her tireless commitment to the establishment of school meal programs that have successfully reached more than 22,000 children in various regions of Ethiopia was praised.
Through her work with the Hagar Maria Mendoma Foundation in South Wako, Tesfaye has created a model for others to emulate, showcasing how targeted initiatives can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
The discussions at the convening highlighted the increasing acknowledgement of school meal programs as essential tools for combating food insecurity, reducing poverty, and mitigating the impacts of conflict. In Ethiopia alone, these initiatives now support about 10 million children. Additionally, key progress was illustrated by Kenya's fully funded school meals across all public primary schools, showcasing the country's strong commitment to addressing child nutrition.
Not only do school meal programs provide crucial sustenance to students, but they also have a ripple effect on local economies. By establishing a consistent demand for agricultural products, these programs invigorate local markets and empower farmers.
Former Prime Minister Hailemariam pointed out that for every dollar invested in school meals, local economies benefit up to $2, leading to enhanced agricultural value chains and bolstered livelihoods for local agrarians.
Despite the accomplishments celebrated, the convening acknowledged many significant challenges still facing the continent.
Approximately 23 million primary school children in Africa continue to attend school on empty stomachs, underscoring the pressing need to develop and improve existing programs.
The summit outlined several critical action items aimed at overcoming these challenges and amplifying the impact of school meal initiatives continent-wide. Among these priorities are: advocating for school meals as a market signal to stimulate agricultural production, expanding successful integrated school meal models, ensuring that these programs are incorporated into national government budgets and policies, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
The discussions repeatedly underscored the importance of leveraging local resources and transforming food systems from the grassroots level.
Former Prime Minister Hailemariam emphasised that school meal programs can create demand for diverse and nutritious crops, thereby encouraging farmers to diversify their agricultural practices and adopt sustainable methods. This, he noted, contributes significantly to improved food security and resilience against the challenges posed by climate change.
The high-level gathering served as an urgent call to action for increased investment and political will to guarantee that every child in Africa has access to the nutritious meals essential for their development and success. By prioritising and strategically expanding school meal programs, African nations have the opportunity to harness the potential of future generations and construct an equitable and prosperous continent.
The commitment demonstrated by Former Prime Minister Hailemariam and the collective efforts of all attendees signal a renewed focus on utilising school meals not merely as a safety net but as a powerful engine for sustainable development throughout Africa.
The overarching message was unequivocal: nourishing today's children is a critical investment in crafting a more promising and brighter future for everyone.
