The importance of school feeding programs and conducive learning environments took center stage during a key breakout session at the Continental Education Conference, which kickstarted on December 9, 2024 in Nouakchott, Mauritania, with experts highlighting the transformative potential of integrated approaches to education in Africa.
Dr. Hameed Nuru, Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) African Union Global Office, presented compelling evidence about the impact of school feeding initiatives across the continent. He revealed that in 2022, approximately 66 million African children received school meals, demonstrating the extensive reach of these programs. Notably, 84 percent of school feeding programs in Africa are funded by national governments, showing strong domestic commitment to these initiatives.
The economic impact of these programs was particularly striking, with Dr. Nuru revealing that every dollar invested in school feeding yields a return of up to $35, making it one of the most cost-effective interventions in education. This return on investment encompasses improved learning outcomes, enhanced health metrics, and broader economic benefits for local communities.
The session also highlighted the resilience of school feeding programs in the face of recent challenges. Despite widespread disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, these programs have not only recovered but expanded beyond pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating their fundamental importance to educational systems across the continent.
Dr. Pia Britto, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Global Director for Education and Adolescent Development, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to creating conducive learning environments. She stressed that learning doesn’t occur in isolation, advocating for an integrated framework that addresses children’s physical health, mental well-being, nutrition, and overall development needs.
The discussion explored multiple essential components that contribute to effective learning environments. Participants emphasized the fundamental importance of access to clean water and sanitation facilities in schools, alongside the consistent provision of nutritious meals. The integration of primary health services emerged as another crucial element, complemented by robust mental health and psychosocial support systems. Protection mechanisms and strong community engagement were identified as vital factors in creating safe and supportive educational spaces.
Looking ahead, participants discussed the need for implementable policies and systems that can make these comprehensive learning environments a reality across Africa. The session concluded with a call for greater collaboration between governments, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that every African child has access to not just education, but a complete ecosystem of support that enables effective learning.
These discussions form part of the broader three-day Continental Education Conference, which continues through December 11, 2024, bringing together education leaders and stakeholders from across Africa to chart a path forward for educational transformation on the continent.
