Addis Ababa: The African Union (AU) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have acknowledged Ethiopia’s school feeding program for its considerable impact on improving the quality of education.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Mohammed Belhocine, highlighted that the Ethiopian government is actively pursuing internationally recognized quality education along with equitable access. He mentioned that AU member states are focusing on formal, technical, and vocational education for school dropouts, with support for system development. African leaders and institutions are under increasing pressure to enhance educational quality and access, especially by the year 2025.
Professor Belhocine also discussed this year’s African Day of School Feeding, which will be held in Bangui, Central African Republic. He emphasized the program’s essential role in ensuring consistent school attendance, particularly for girls, by addressing hunger as a barrier to education. School feeding programs are instrumental in providing quality and accessible education ahead of the African Day of School Feeding, observed annually in March. The program plays a significant role in boosting student attendance.
UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, noted the theme of the 37th AU Leaders’ Summit, which emphasizes the importance of diverse and high-quality education. She pointed out that African countries are adopting a South-South approach to improve educational quality across the continent.
Kadilli emphasized that school feeding programs, like Ethiopia’s, are crucial for boosting attendance, especially among disadvantaged children, by providing essential nutrition that enhances focus and academic performance. These programs are vital for school attendance and active engagement, driving improved academic performance as they enhance student focus and foster classroom success.
Ethiopia is in the process of reforming its school feeding program to maximize its effectiveness, focusing on quality, accessibility, and sustainability. Statistics on the program demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based outcomes, which will guide future initiatives.