Plan International Sierra Leone

This morning, I had the pleasure of presenting the High-level Opening Remarks at the UNFSS+2 session on “School Meals Powering Food Systems Transformation” in Rome. I shared #SierraLeone’s experience as a leading example in using school feeding programmes as a tool for the promotion of #education, inclusion and #economicdevelopment. Since 2018, as part of our Free Quality School Education programme, my Government has implemented enabling policies and made concerted efforts to roll out a transformational and sustainable #schoolfeeding programme. With the support of implementing partners, @WFP, @CatholicRelief, @PlanGlobal and other local organisations, my Government feeds approximately 800,000 school children nationwide, with the Government covering about 80% of the cost.     The impact of the School Feeding programme has been positive for increasing school attendance, retention, enrolment, and reduction in stunting levels at the primary school level. Sierra Leone joined the School Meals Coalition (@SchoolMeals_ ) in 2022 signalling our firm commitment to ensure that together with partners, every child will have the opportunity to receive a healthy, nutritious meal in school by 2030. We are poised to accelerate the progress through the flagship FEED SALONE initiative to boost agricultural productivity and food security in the next 5 years. #UNFSS2023 #GLOBALGOALS