In a significant partnership aimed at addressing the dual challenges of food insecurity and educational access, Japan and the World Food Programme (WFP) have launched a new initiative in Sierra Leone. The project, titled “Tackling Food Insecurity and Incentivizing Education in Pujehun District through School Feeding,” was officially inaugurated on August 27, 2024, during a ceremony held at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown. The Japanese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Mochizuki Hisanobu, signed an exchange of notes with WFP representatives, marking the commencement of this vital initiative.
The project is designed to provide nutritious meals to primary school children in the Pujehun district, an area identified as one of the most food-insecure regions in the country. More than 28,800 children attending government-owned and assisted schools will benefit from daily meals throughout the 2024/25 academic year. This initiative aims to create a supportive learning environment, ensuring that hunger does not hinder these young learners from achieving their academic goals.
Ambassador Hisanobu emphasized Japan’s unwavering commitment to enhancing educational outcomes in Sierra Leone. He stated, “This donation is a testament to the steadfast commitment of the Government of Japan to improving educational outcomes in Sierra Leone and ensuring hunger does not stop them from learning and achieving their dreams.” His remarks were echoed by Yvonne Forsen, the WFP Representative and Country Director for Sierra Leone, who highlighted the importance of this collaboration in changing the lives of vulnerable children.
The event also served as a platform to reflect on the successes of previous projects, which have laid the groundwork for this new initiative. Ambassador Hisanobu expressed gratitude to the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, for his leadership and support in this endeavour. Minister Sackey remarked that the signing of the agreement was not merely an exchange of notes, but a symbol of hope and an investment in the future of Sierra Leone’s children.
This collaboration between Japan and WFP underscores a shared commitment to the welfare of Sierra Leone’s youths. With Japan’s contributions playing a pivotal role in transforming the lives of thousands of children, both partners are dedicated to continuing their fight against hunger and malnutrition, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future for Sierra Leone’s youngest citizens.
