World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

The World Food Programme works with governments across Asia to design and manage large-scale, innovative programmes, focused on those who need them most. These programmes are often called ‘safety nets’ – projects designed to protect the most vulnerable at critical times, and so allow them to make the most of each new opportunity to improve their lives.

The WFP School Meals Programme supports the Government of Lao PDR in assisting primary school children in communities in Phongsaly, Luangnamtha, Oudomxay, Saravane, Sekong and Attapeu. School meals aim to increase enrolment, reduce the gender gap, improve learning capacity and encourage school attendance.

In 2009, WFP and the Boston Consulting Group conducted a study which assessed the monetary costs and economic benefits of providing school meals. The study, based on data from Lao PDR and Kenya, and global academic and empirical evidence, incorporated all main recognized outcomes of school meals: nutrition/health, educational benefits, and value transfer (added household income).

WFP Laos country office made significant efforts to improve the learning environment through a partnership with UNICEF, ensuring proper learning and a healthy and safe school setting. Moreover, capacity building and training activities are provided regularly for the Ministry of Education to facilitate handover.