Boosting Health and Nutrition of School-Aged Children in the Kyrgyz Republic

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations World Food Programme, in partnership with the Kyrgyzstan Republic Ministry of Education and the Korea International Cooperation Agency, has launched a three-year project worth US$10 million to enhance the health and nutrition of school-aged children in the country. The project will directly benefit 15,000 children, with at least half being girls, in 40 schools across five provinces. The initiative includes a Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, which will benefit 1,000 smallholder farmers by providing fresh, locally grown food to schools, as well as upgrading kitchens and sanitation facilities to promote healthy habits and improve learning capacity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project aims to improve the health and nutrition of 15,000 school-aged children, with at least half being girls, in 40 schools across five provinces in the Kyrgyz Republic.
  • The initiative includes a Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, which will benefit 1,000 smallholder farmers by providing fresh, locally grown food to schools.
  • Upgrading kitchens and sanitation facilities will support children develop healthy habits, improve their capacity to learn, and deliver long lasting benefits to smallholder farmers and communities.
  • The project is closely aligned with the country's development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • The partnership involves the Ministry of Education, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the World Food Programme (WFP).
  • Project activities will help farmers participate in government procurement and build the Ministry of Education's capacity to manage and sustain the programme.

Statistics:

  • The project is worth US$10 million and will be implemented over three years.
  • The initiative will directly benefit 15,000 children, with at least half being girls.
  • 1,000 smallholder farmers will benefit from the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.
  • The project aims toupgrade kitchens and sanitation facilities in 40 schools across five provinces.
  • 40 schools will participate in the project, located in Batken, Jalal-Abad, Osh, Chuy, and Naryn provinces.

Sources:

  • The United Nations World Food Programme
  • Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
  • Kyrgyzstan Republic Ministry of Education
  • The World Food Programme (no specific date mentioned)