On October 17, 2024, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan in Dushanbe hosted a meeting of specialists from various sectors, all united by a common goal: improving school meals. The Interdepartmental Coordination Council convened 28 participants from key ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, and others. They were joined by representatives from international organizations such as the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI).
The meeting was started by Zulfiya Abdusamatzoda, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan, who leads the Council’s work.
The primary focus was the implementation of the State Programme for the Development of School Meals in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2022-2027. Participants shared their achievements and discussed the challenges they faced in 2024.
While reviewing the measures taken, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science summarized the results of monitoring school meal initiatives in the Khatlon region. UN WFP and SIFI reported on repairs of school canteens, the installation of equipment, and the distribution of food supplies across the regions. This information formed the foundation for further discussions and decision-making.
The meeting saw lively debates, which only strengthened the collective determination to enhance the school feeding system. By the end, a resolution was adopted to further develop school meals so that every child could regularly enjoy a healthy and nutritious school lunch.
The diverse range of participants underscores the significance of school feeding and the willingness of various organizations to join efforts. The decisions made will not only help improve the quality of the meals but also ensure that school lunches are more accessible and sustainable.
This meeting of the Coordination Council on School Feeding serves as a powerful example of how collaboration can build a brighter future for children, fostering their health and academic success through better nutrition.
The meeting was started by Zulfiya Abdusamatzoda, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan, who leads the Council’s work.
The primary focus was the implementation of the State Programme for the Development of School Meals in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2022-2027. Participants shared their achievements and discussed the challenges they faced in 2024.
While reviewing the measures taken, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science summarized the results of monitoring school meal initiatives in the Khatlon region. UN WFP and SIFI reported on repairs of school canteens, the installation of equipment, and the distribution of food supplies across the regions. This information formed the foundation for further discussions and decision-making.
The meeting saw lively debates, which only strengthened the collective determination to enhance the school feeding system. By the end, a resolution was adopted to further develop school meals so that every child could regularly enjoy a healthy and nutritious school lunch.
The diverse range of participants underscores the significance of school feeding and the willingness of various organizations to join efforts. The decisions made will not only help improve the quality of the meals but also ensure that school lunches are more accessible and sustainable.
This meeting of the Coordination Council on School Feeding serves as a powerful example of how collaboration can build a brighter future for children, fostering their health and academic success through better nutrition.