Finland supports Mozambican school meals programme

Maputo, 2 Jun (AIM) – The Finnish government has announced a contribution of 500,000 Euros (572,000 US dollars, at the current exchange rate) to provide tens of thousands of children with daily hot meals as part of Mozambique’s School Feeding Programme (PRONAE).

According to a press release from the UN World Food Programme (WFP), “this initiative, which will be immediately rolled out, reinforces the shared commitment of the Government of Mozambique, WFP, and partners to improve education, nutrition, and food security in some of the most vulnerable areas of the country”.

The Finnish contribution, it says, “will enable WFP to provide daily hot meals to more than 56,000 students over the next three months in primary schools located along the Nacala Corridor”, in the northern province of Nampula.

“School meals are more than just a plate of food; they are a vital investment in the future of Mozambican children”, said Finnish ambassador Satu Lassila, cited in the release. “Finland has a long-standing partnership with Mozambique, including in education. I am delighted that we can now support Mozambican children also in this way.”

Mozambique, WFP says, “is currently facing one of the most severe food insecurity crises in recent years, with nearly 40 per cent of children under the age of five suffering from stunted growth and a record 5 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The situation is especially dire in the northern region, where conflict and recurrent climate shocks continue to disrupt lives and livelihoods”.

“Investing in school meals is one of the smartest and most impactful ways to support the next generations in Mozambique,” said Antonella D’Aprile, the WFP Country Director in Mozambique. “Thanks to Finland’s generous contribution, thousands of children will receive the nourishment they need to learn and build a better future—not only for themselves but for the country as a whole.”

The release adds that “evidence shows that school feeding programmes not only improve children’s nutrition and learning but also help reduce poverty and inequality by increasing school attendance and building human capital over time”.
(AIM)
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