The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) may be forced to halt its school-feeding programme in Mali due to financial constraints, with the country’s schools due to reopen next week, the agency has said.
WFP is warning that it may have to do away with the programme unless $3 million in funding is obtained urgently.
“This is critical. School meals are often the only nutritious meal a child receives a day, relieving families from further financial stress, motivating parents to send their children to school, and, ultimately, serving as a vehicle for education,” said Silvia Caruso, WFP Mali Country Director.
Teachers in the country fear that if the programme is stopped, many pupils may be forced to stay away from school as it would be hectic for them to walk long distances and concentrate in class on empty stomachs.
“Teachers tell us that if the meals are no longer provided, there is a significant risk that parents will stop sending their children to school; children find it difficult to walk long distances to school or stay in class for a full day on an empty stomach,” Caruso said.
Despite the high levels of insecurity–especially in northern and central Mali since 2012, WFP and its partners were able to provide school meals to an average of 170,000 children per year, half of which were girls.
WFP has appealed for funding to continue rolling out the programme that keeps Mali’s children in school.
“We urge our supporters not to forget the children of Mali. They have been through a lot these past years. Going to school helps them regain their childhood, and school meals play an important role in keeping them in school,” said Caruso.
