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Kyrgyzstan celebrates International School Meals Day

Kyrgyzstan
From March 10 to 14, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI), hold a special week in schools across Kyrgyzstan dedicated to International School Meals Day.

Primary school children will learn about the foods that provide energy, why breakfast is essential, and how to maintain an active lifestyle in a fun and engaging way. The activities are designed to be interactive and playful, ensuring that children gain knowledge with ease and enjoyment.

Why is it important?

Children spend a significant portion of their day at school, and proper nutrition directly impacts their well-being, academic performance, and development. That’s why school breakfasts and lunches are much more than just meals—they are a key part of a child’s growth and success. Nutritious food helps children stay energized, focused in class, and active when playing.

Through International School Meals Day events, children will discover that healthy eating can be both delicious and exciting, while also learning the benefits of an active lifestyle. A special emphasis will be placed on engaging parents in fostering a conscious and responsible approach to health.

Weekly Program

Each day of the week will feature exciting activities:

March 10: The basics of healthy eating. Children will meet the week’s heroes—Mr. Junkster (Harmster) and Dr. Energy—who will explain, through playful storytelling, which foods are beneficial and which ones drain energy.

March 11: Healthy vs. Unhealthy foods. During classroom discussions, children will explore the importance of a balanced diet, take part in the Lost Ingredients quest, and compile recipes for nutritious meals.

March 12: Active lifestyle day. The day will be packed with movement-based activities, including team competitions and obstacle courses, encouraging children to develop a lifelong habit of physical activity.

March 13: The final quiz. Children will put their knowledge of healthy eating and active living to the test in a fun quiz competition, with the best teams winning prizes. The week will conclude with interactive shows and dance activities.

The family role

Ahead of the campaign, schools organized parent meetings to tell them about International School Meals Day, the event program, and ways they can support their children during the week’s exciting activities.

Where the events take place?

Schools across the country take part in the campaign, including:

Bishkek – Chinghiz Aitmatov Secondary School No. 5
Osh – B. Alykulov Secondary School No. 38
Kara-Balta – Secondary School No. 5
Jalal-Abad – Secondary Gymnasium School No. 4
Issyk-Kul Region, Balykchy – Chyngyz Aitmatov Secondary School No. 5
Naryn Province, Jumgal District, Kyzart Village – Professor A. Idinov Secondary School
Batken Province, Kadamjay District, Masaliev AA – T. Madaripov Secondary School
Talas Province, Talas District, Kara-Oy Village – Asylkan Borubaev Secondary School

The campaign will combine educational sessions, games, and interactive activities, making learning both engaging and useful. The week will be filled with excitement and joy, helping children memorize healthy eating and active lifestyle principles in a fun way.