Latest news

Delicious transformation: new school canteens open their doors

Tajikistan
On October 9, the Government of Tajikistan, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI) ceremonially opened renovated school canteens at school No. 30 in Dushanbe under the School Meals Programme. The event was a true celebration for children, teachers, and guests!

The renovations are part of the School Feeding Programme, a joint initiative by the Government of Tajikistan and the UN World Food Programme, with support from the Russian Federation. The project has had a significant impact on the lives of thousands of children, offering them hot, nutritious lunches at school. So far, 115 school canteens have been upgraded, with 55 more set to be modernized in 2024. Currently, around 450,000 children from 2,000 schools across Tajikistan are benefiting from daily hot meals.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including:

  • Jurazoda Jamshed, First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Tajikistan
  • Abdusamatzoda Zulfiya, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan
  • Adham Musallam, Representative and Country Director of the UN World Food Programme in Tajikistan
  • Grigoriev Semyon Vyacheslavovich, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Tajikistan
  • Ismoilzoda Bakhrom, Head of Dushanbe Main Education Department
  • Shukurzoda Saodat, Deputy Chairman of Firdavsi District, Dushanbe
  • Members of the Interdepartmental Coordination Council on School Feeding in Tajikistan

The guests toured the newly renovated canteens and explored the modern equipment and the updated menus. The fresh, flavorful dishes have already become a hit among the children.

In his welcoming remarks, Jurazoda Jamshed, First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Tajikistan, highlighted the positive impact that hot school meals have on children's well-being: "Providing children with nutritious hot meals is crucial for maintaining their health, boosting attendance, and enhancing their ability to learn."

Adham Musallam, WFP Representative and Country Director in Tajikistan, emphasized the collaborative nature of the School Feeding Programme: "Today’s handover ceremony of 55 schools across Tajikistan is a testament to this fruitful collaboration. Together, we have renovated kitchens and canteens in these schools, providing modern kitchen equipment, furniture, and utensils with a total investment of USD 800,000."

A film, Before and After, was screened during the event, vividly demonstrating the remarkable transformation of the school canteens thanks to the modernization efforts.

School meals go far beyond just providing food. They are the source of children’s health, energy, and the eagerness to learn. A nutritious lunch satisfies hunger and gives children the strength to focus on their lessons and look forward to attending school every day.

The School Feeding Programme is a foundation for building a robust and healthy generation. It creates an environment where students can develop their talents, grow stronger, and become resilient to life’s challenges.