At the ongoing United Nations Food System Summit in Italy, Cem Ozdemir, the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture for Germany, made a significant announcement that the German government is set to provide a generous grant offer of €22 million to two countries, Sierra Leone and Laos, in an effort to support their school meal systems and help school-going children.

Sierra Leone, located in West Africa, and Laos, officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, a least developed country with aspirations to achieve middle-income status by 2024, have been chosen as the recipients of this vital funding.

Minister Ozdemir highlighted the importance of utilizing the grant for its intended purpose, emphasizing that it must be directed towards aiding deprived students in schools.

The grant is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the school meal programs in both countries and providing students with access to nutritious and healthy meals.

“I am happy to announce that the federal government has embarked on an exciting journey to design the accelerated school meal program in collaboration with the executive director of the World Food Program over the next five years,” stated Minister Ozdemir.

“Germany’s investment of €22 million in Sierra Leone and PDR aims to provide health and nutritious meals for students, ensuring a brighter future for them.”

The grant offer comes as a significant boost to the education and nutrition sectors in Sierra Leone and Laos, reflecting Germany’s commitment to supporting global efforts in eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable development in vulnerable regions. With the implementation of these school meal programs, children in these nations are set to receive the nourishment they need to thrive and succeed in their academic pursuits.