BUJUMBURA March 2nd (ABP) – The government of Burundi organized Thursday, February 29, at Bujumbura city, a preparatory technical session for the African School Feeding Day (JAAS) which was celebrated on Friday, March 1, 2024.
In his remarks, the Minister of National Education and Scientific Research of Burundi, Mr. François Havyarimana, indicated that the school feeding program motivates families to enroll and keep their children in school where they benefit from learning and a safe, diverse and nutritious diet. He indicated that that day offers the opportunity to celebrate, on the African continent, the commitment of States and their partners to strengthen national school feeding programs based on local purchases, which constitute one of the most important investments. most important and effective in the development of the human, social and economic capital of our respective countries. Minister Havyarimana, on behalf of the government, welcomed the decision of the AU Heads of State and Government who defined as a common objective in 2022 the strengthening of nutritional resilience and food security on the African continent. He did not fail to emphasize that in that school canteen program, Burundi benefited from the experience and support of other friendly countries, including Brazil, Ivory Coast, Benin and Senegal.
Speaking, Director of the AU World Food Programme, Dr. HAmeed Nuru, noted that in Africa, hunger is a major concern among schoolchildren, with an estimated 31 million people suffering from malnutrition. In addition, that worsening of poverty caused by malnutrition negatively affects children’s academic performance. They face barriers to accessing opportunities, which he believes perpetuates the vicious cycle of poverty and inequality, he explained.
Note that the various panelists present at that technical session had the opportunity to discuss the various points likely to contribute to the development of the school feeding program.