For 80 years, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been helping countries fight hunger and build a better future. This year, Tajikistan celebrated FAO’s anniversary together with World Food Day by hosting a vibrant family festival on November 1 in Dushanbe.
The event’s theme, Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future, came to life through games, masterclasses, and children’s smiles. The day turned into a lively journey into the world of healthy eating for more than 250 guests, including schoolchildren, parents, teachers, farmers, and government representatives.
Children were at the heart of the celebration. FAO, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI) prepared a rich program full of surprises.
The Journey of a Grain
While adults attended the official opening ceremony, the younger guests were drawn into a theatrical adventure: a performance called The Journey of a Grain: From Farm to Fork.
The children were not just spectators.Тhey became part of the story. They helped the Little Grain sprout, drove away the harmful Beetle, clapped along as they learned about healthy foods, and crossed their arms when the story turned to unhealthy ones.
The performance ended with a cheerful flash mob, Sources of Strength. Together with the actors, the children repeated the main lesson: just as plants need sun and water to grow, achieving any goal requires friendship and perseverance.
“The atmosphere was incredible,” one of the organizers shared. “The children didn’t want to leave after the show. They genuinely worried about the heroes and remembered how important farmers’ work is and why we must treat bread with care.”
Creative kitchen: parents and children learn to cook with purpose
During the culinary workshops, children and parents became true food artists. At the session titled My Healthy Dish, SIFI experts invited the young participants to create edible artworks. Waiting for them on the tables were colorful vegetables, fruits, yogurts, and nuts.
“I want to make a salad shaped like the sun!” eight-year-old Amina exclaimed. Her enthusiasm quickly spread to the other children: some created rockets out of apples, others made funny smiley faces using bananas and yogurt. Through play, the children learned to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods and discovered that eating healthy can be both exciting and enjoyable.
While the children explored food art, parents took part in a session named Healthy School Meals for Every Day, led by expert Zulfiya Faizieva. They learned how to prepare vegetable smoothies, sugar-free cookies, and a colorful Vitamin Rainbow salad. Questions came one after another: “Can I replace the beetroot?” “Is sour cream or yogurt better?” Everyone left not only with new recipes but also with the confidence that a nutritious breakfast for a schoolchild can be quick, delicious, and easy to prepare.
Celebration that united everyone
The formal part of the event was opened by hosts Orzu Isoev and Nargis Kasymova. Deputy ministers of agriculture and education delivered speeches on the importance of child nutrition and education, while representatives of FAO and WFP highlighted their joint work in the country.
One of the most touching moments was when beneficiaries of FAO and WFP programs — ordinary community members — took the floor to personally thank the organizations for their support. Their stories were a heartfelt reminder that efforts to strengthen food security directly impact real families.
No celebration would be complete without a quiz. Children and adults eagerly competed to answer questions such as “Which vitamin is found in carrots?” and “How many food groups should be included in a daily diet?” The winners received small prizes, and everyone walked away with fresh knowledge.
Working together for a better future
The day once again proved that raising a healthy generation requires working together, hand in hand. Schools, parents, government, and international organizations all share the same goal. The celebration came to an end, but its most important outcome remained: the joy on children’s faces and parents’ renewed motivation to make each day a little healthier and tastier for their families.