VIENTIANE: A high-level international delegation visited Xekong province on March 12 to observe the implementation of the School Meals Programme and review progress in strengthening food security and nutrition initiatives.
The delegation included the Ambassador of Germany to Laos, Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, and the Ambassador of France to Laos, Bénédicte Deschamps.
The mission was led by the Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Laos, Marc-André Prost.
The group met with the Governor of Xekong province, Khanty Sylavongsa, to discuss the progress of integrated nutrition and food security programmes.
The visit aimed to assess the implementation of the School Meals Programme, which provides nutritious daily meals to primary school children while also supporting local agricultural supply chains by creating stable markets for smallholder farmers.
Khanty Sylavongsa welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the continued support and cooperation of international partners.
He highlighted the important role of school meals in improving student attendance and retention, enhancing learning outcomes and promoting better nutrition, particularly in remote and disadvantaged communities.
According to provincial authorities, the programme currently covers three districts in Xekong province and benefits 2,022 direct participants, including schoolchildren receiving daily hot meals, smallholder farmers supplying fresh local produce and education officials responsible for coordination and monitoring.
The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in expanding local food procurement and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the programme.
The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts to improve child nutrition and rural livelihoods through community-based initiatives. - Vientiane Times/ANN
