In the African nation of Senegal, malnutrition rates are high, especially in rural areas where there are fewer basic services. Natural disasters and high food prices have contributed to food shortages for many families in Senegal. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reports that “The post-conflict region of Casamance is particularly vulnerable, with poverty rates among the highest in the country.” Hunger and poverty threaten the 2004 peace agreement signed between Senegal’s government and the separatist movement MFDC after two decades of conflict in the Casamance.
School feeding programs are critical for helping Senegal overcome its massive challenges. Bienvenu Djossa, WFP Country Director, recently discussed school feeding in Senegal.
How many children are benefiting from the WFP School Feeding program in Senegal?
In Senegal, the school feeding program supports over 600,000 school children in 4,000 schools (90 percent elementary and 10 percent kindergarten). This is approximately 36 percent of registered primary school children nationwide.
The school feeding program is run in close collaboration with partners such as the Ministry of Education and Caritas (NGO). In addition to regular schools, WFP also assists three establishments that distinguish themselves through special educational programs for children suffering from physical or mental handicaps as well as leprosy.
The children receive one hot meal per day, composed of cereals, legumes, vitamin A enriched vegetable oil and iodized salt. Canteen management (food stocking, cooking) is ensured by management committees and closely involves well-respected parents in the community. During the 2008/2009 school year, provided there is sufficient funding, approximately 14,330 tons of food are expected to be delivered to the WFP supported schools at a total cost of US $13 million.
What effect do the meals have on the children in terms of attendance, performance, and nutrition?
Through regular, healthy, well-balanced meals, children strengthen their physical and intellectual abilities. Good health promotes motivation and develops the child’s interest in his or her classes. “An empty stomach cannot hear” and only a well-fed child can focus and compete in class.
School feeding in Senegal has a very positive impact on child development and education. An analysis carried out comparing beneficiary and non-beneficiary schools revealed that the quality of education has improved considerably, which is reflected in a decrease of grade repetition figures and a 43 percent increase in chances for a successful completion of the Elementary School through the Certificat de fin d’Etudes Elementaires (CFEE). The study also showed an increase in attendance rates in comparison to non-beneficiary schools. A particular increase was noted among girls.
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