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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a JPY 250 million (approximately US$ 2 Million) contribution by the Government of Japan to strengthen food assistance support to 60,000 pre-primary school children through the Government of Lesotho’s national school feeding programme.
Today’s signing ceremony was held to commemorate the contribution. It will be used to purchase canned fish and fortified maze meal, further diversifying the nutritional meals offered in Early Childhood Care Development Centers throughout the country. The ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mrs. Mats’epo Ramakoae and the Principal Secretary-Basic Education, Dr. Dira Khama.
While Covid-19 restrictions have been eased, Lesotho’s economy has not fully recovered from the pandemic, and is now suffering the impacts of the conflict in Ukraine, notably still higher food and fertiliser prices. More than 520,000 Basotho are currently food insecure (with 320,000 living in rural areas). This vulnerable population will likely increase due to job loss, reduced livelihood opportunities, lower earnings from livestock and livestock product sale, and higher food and non food prices. Households categorized as poor and very poor are expected to experience more pronounced food consumption challenged, especially during the upcoming “lean” season (October 2022-March 2023).
“This support from Japan comes at a critical time, given that more people are food insecure and in need of help,” said Ms. Aurore Rusiga, WFP Lesotho Representative and Country Director. “Assistance to pre-school learners, most of whom are orphaned or otherwise vulnerable, with high rates of malnutrition, will boost their food and nutrition security needs.”
The Government of Japan will contribute to the funding gap for school feeding programmes and ensure uninterrupted provision of meals, particularly lunches. These will be in addition to the daily breakfast provided by the Government of Japan.
“This aid is aimed at improving food security and support the economic and social development of the country.” H.E. Norio Maruyama was the Ambassador of Japan to Lesotho. “We would like to continue to contribute toward improving the livelihood of vulnerable people in Lesotho.”
“Allow me to thank the Government of Japan for this timely and crucial investment in the future of our children and our country,” said education Principal Secretary, Dr. Dira Khama.
Since 1968, Japan has provided humanitarian food aid to developing countries. The Government of Japan is a long-standing partner of WFP Lesotho.
Distributed by APO Group, World Food Programme (WFP)
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Source: african.business
