WFP and Cambodian delegation on study tour to Korea to strengthen school meals programme

"With our Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) programme, Cambodia aims to provide food while improving nutrition and education, strengthening rural development and increasing food security," says Claire Conan, WFP Country Director in Cambodia. “KOICA's support has been transformative, constructing essential school infrastructure and enhancing the capacities of programme implementors. Their assistance extends to the local economy, promoting a home-grown model that sources food locally, empowering farmers, promoting agricultural growth, and establishing a sustainable food system.”

The delegation, comprising key officials from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economy and Finance, National Social Protection Council and Council of Agricultural and Rural Development, will learn best practices from Korea's school meals programmes - focusing on policies, implementation mechanisms and inter-ministerial coordination. The delegation will also engage with Korean counterparts, observe local food procurement processes, and visit local schools rolling out the programmes. They will then meet senior officials at KOICA's headquarters to find out more about programme implementation, management, policy development, innovative financing strategies and the role of science, technology and innovation in designing sustainable programme and establishing effective collaboration with diverse partners and stakeholders.

Hang Chuon Naron, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing students’ health through nutrition programme and food quality control in schools as a powerful driving force for education reform in the Government’s seventh mandate.

“This study tour to Korea perfectly aligns with Cambodia’s vision for sustainable and inclusive development, enabling knowledge-sharing between our nations. It marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Cambodia and Korea, made possible by the invaluable support of KOICA. This tour underscores the profound partnership between our countries and highlights our joint commitment to promoting education, nutrition and rural development,” expressed Naron, with genuine enthusiasm, adding that with Korea’s multifaceted support, Cambodia is forging a path towards a brighter future, where education, nutrition and sustainable development thrive hand in hand.

The outcomes of this tour will then significantly contribute to the full institutionalization of the School Feeding Policy in Cambodia and the development of a comprehensive national HGSF programme as the programme reaches a critical phase, transitioning to government ownership as a recognized social safety net.

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