MBSSE, WFP Deepen Ties to Improve Sierra Leone’s School Feeding Programme

A high-level delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) has held a meeting with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) to discuss ways of strengthening Sierra Leone’s national school feeding programme.

The engagement, described by the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, focused on improving food quality standards, ensuring timely delivery of supplies, strengthening accountability measures, and introducing digital tracking systems to monitor food deliveries in real time.

According to Minister Sackey, the use of digital systems is critical to improving transparency, efficiency, and value for money in the delivery of school meals.

Speaking during the discussions, Sackey said the school feeding programme goes beyond the provision of meals to pupils. The minister noted that the programme promotes dignity among learners, increases school attendance, improves retention, and contributes to better learning outcomes for children across the country. The minister emphasized that a strong and well-managed school feeding system is central to the government’s broader education goals.

Discussions between MBSSE and WFP also highlighted the need for capacity building within national institutions, shared ownership of the programme, and sustainable, government-led approaches that directly benefit schools and surrounding communities.

Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening systems that allow the government to take greater leadership while drawing on technical expertise from partners.

The Ministry expressed appreciation for WFP’s continued technical support and long-standing partnership in the school feeding programme. Officials from the ministry reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with WFP to build an accountable, resilient, and child-centred education system.

WFP, in turn, reiterated its support for national priorities in education and nutrition, aligning its assistance with government-led systems aimed at ensuring that no learner is left behind.