The School Meals Program in Central African Republic: A Remarkable Day and Promising Future Perspectives

Today was an extraordinary day for the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) members of World Vision CAR as they embarked on a journey to the small town of Bouar. Accompanied by the World Food Programme (WFP) team, their goal was to visit the school meals program implemented in collaboration with the WFP.

Arriving at the school, they were greeted by the joyful laughter and chatter of children eagerly awaiting their visitors. The team was immediately struck by the sheer number of children present. "387 children!" exclaimed one team member. "That's amazing!" It was a proud moment for everyone involved in the programme to see the tangible impact it was having on the lives of these children. 

The children were lined up and ready to receive their meals, but first the team took a moment to remind them of the importance of washing their hands before eating. They showed the children the correct way to wash their hands and helped them do it, making sure each hand was clean. 

Once the children were seated with their meals, the team joined in and served them, taking turns to make sure everyone was fed. It was heartwarming to see the smiles on the children's faces as they enjoyed their meals. For many of them, this was the only nutritious meal they would have all day.

But the visit was not just about serving meals and interacting with the children, it was also an opportunity to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the local team. The team was able to see first-hand the challenges they face in ensuring the programme runs smoothly and the impact it has on the community. 

After the visit, the team held a meeting with Mr. Pascal, the Head of Programs at the WFP, and his colleagues from the Bouar sub-base. They discussed various topics, including their current partnership, upcoming collaborations, opportunities available, and risk management strategies.  

The team was pleased to hear about the success of the pilot school meals program in Bouar and the potential for expansion to other areas such as Birao and Paoua. They also explored the possibility of participating in the upcoming African School Meals Day, an event initiated by the African Union to raise awareness and support for school feeding programs across the continent.

Excited by the opportunities and the potential for greater impact, the team also discussed the synergy between the school feeding program and the distribution of mosquito nets in schools. This could further enhance the program's impact and they brainstormed ways to combine the two initiatives.

As the day came to an end, the team left with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to continue working together for a better future for the communities they serve. They were committed to strengthening their partnerships and expanding their reach to make a lasting difference in the lives of children in Central African Republic.

Thanks to the collaboration between World Vision CAR and the WFP, the school meals program continues to grow and positively impact on the lives of children in Central African Republic. Together, they are working towards a brighter and healthier future for all.

By Alexandre A. M. Gassama, Communication & Advocacy Lead