The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI), the CIS Base Organization for School Feeding, signed a memorandum of cooperation in Dushanbe.
The signing ceremony was attended by First Deputy Minister of Education and Science Homid Hoshimzoda, Deputy Minister Badriddin Muzaffarzoda, representatives of the Ministry, and SIFI President Vladimir Chernigov.
The main objective of the partnership is to support the development of school meals in Tajikistan and help make them safer, better in quality, and more beneficial for children.
In Tajikistan, school feeding is an important part of public policy. It is linked not only to children’s health but also to equal access to education. When school meals are well organized, children are more likely to attend classes regularly, perform better academically, and receive the support they need.
The memorandum outlines several areas of cooperation. The parties plan to work on improving the national regulatory and methodological framework for school feeding, training specialists in the education and school nutrition sectors, and supporting the modernization of school kitchens and canteens.
Particular attention will be given to the quality and safety of food provided to schoolchildren. The partners plan to introduce modern approaches to meal preparation and school feeding management to ensure that children receive safe and nutritious meals.
An important part of the cooperation will focus on working with local suppliers and farming households. This will help schools gain access to fresh, natural products while also supporting local producers and creating new opportunities for them to market their goods.
The memorandum also envisages exchange of expertise among specialists, as well as internships, seminars, conferences, and working meetings. To support joint activities, the parties may establish working groups and expert councils.
The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and SIFI expressed their readiness to continue cooperation toward a shared goal: improving school meals across the country and creating healthier and more comfortable learning conditions for children.