celebrating the International Day of Education: How School Meals Are transforming Lives
On January 24, the world commemorates the International Day of Education, a day established by the United Nations (U.N.) to highlight education as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for peace and advancement. This year, the focus is on the transformative power of education, particularly in breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger.
Education is a central pillar of the U.N. 2030 Agenda, a thorough plan aimed at fostering prosperity and sustainability for people and the planet. Yet,nearly 700 million people globally live in extreme poverty,surviving on less than $2.15 per day. For many children, hunger is a significant barrier to attending school. However, innovative solutions like school feeding programs are proving to be game-changers.
For over two decades, Mary’s Meals, an international school feeding organization, has been at the forefront of this effort. By providing daily meals in schools, the organization has reached nearly 2.5 million children across 16 countries. These meals not only encourage attendance but also support children’s physical, cognitive, and educational development.
“mary’s Meals knows that school feeding programs support educational achievement,” said Terry bonet, Executive Director of Mary’s Meals USA. “Our research across multiple countries shows the positive results of feeding children where they learn. By offering healthy meals, these programs not only draw children to school but support their physical, cognitive and educational development, allowing them to focus on learning and realise their full potential.”
The need for such initiatives is more urgent than ever.According to the World Food Programme, 343 million people are currently experiencing acute food insecurity. Meanwhile, UNESCO estimates that 250 million children where out of school as of 2023. In regions plagued by conflict, climate crises, and economic instability, school meals often serve as lifelines.For many children, these meals are the only food they receive in a day, while the school itself provides education and a sense of community.
Recognizing the critical role of school meals, the U.N. officially included them as an indicator under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education in 2023. This inclusion underscores the importance of food as a key intervention to enhance access to education and create inclusive, effective learning environments.
| Key Statistics |
|———————|
| 700 million people live in extreme poverty |
| 2.5 million children reached by Mary’s Meals |
| 343 million people face acute food insecurity |
| 250 million children out of school (2023) |
Education is more than just a pathway out of poverty—it is a tool for empowerment.It enables children to shape their futures, contribute to their communities, and drive lasting positive change. As we celebrate the International Day of Education, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education and the nourishment they need to thrive.
The fight against poverty and hunger is far from over, but with initiatives like school feeding programs, we are one step closer to a world where every child can learn, grow, and succeed.
Headline:
Revolutionizing Education: Dr. Emma Thompson on the Transformative Power of School Meals
introduction:
The United Nations’ International Day of Education, marked annually on January 24, shine a spotlight on the crucial role education plays in shaping a enduring and equitable future.This year, the focus is on the transformative power of education in combating poverty and hunger, with school meal programs taking center stage. To delve deeper into this impactful intersection, we sat down with Dr. Emma Thompson, a distinguished international growth specialist and prominent advocate for school feeding initiatives.
The Role of Education in Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and hunger
Word-Today-News (WTN): Dr. Thompson,thank you for joining us today. Let’s begin with the significance of education in addressing global poverty and hunger.
Dr. Emma thompson (ET): Thank you for having me.Education is indeed a powerful tool to tackle these interconnected challenges. When children are empowered with quality education, they acquire the knowledge and skills needed to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty. Education also plays a critical role in nutrition and food security,as educated individuals tend to make more informed dietary choices and are better equipped to improve agricultural practices.
WTN: how does education help in alleviating hunger specifically?
ET: Education can definately help alleviate hunger in several ways. Firstly, educated individuals are more likely to secure better-paying jobs, ensuring they can afford adequate food for themselves and their families. Secondly, education empowers peopel to participate effectively in decision-making processes, helping them advocate for improved food policies and access to resources. Lastly, education, notably in science and technology, can drive innovations in agriculture, leading to increased crop yields and improved food security.
The Transformative Impact of School Meals
WTN: Today, school meal programs are recognized as a vital strategy in improving access to education and nutrition. What makes these programs so transformative?
ET: School meals are a game-changer because they address the immediate hunger needs of children,thereby encouraging regular school attendance. By providing a nutritious meal at school, these programs ensure that children stay focused and engaged in learning, ultimately enhancing their educational outcomes. Moreover, school meals can be designed to not only feed children but also educate them about nutritious foods, fostering healthy eating habits that will serve them throughout their lives.
WTN: Can you share an example of a successful school feeding program you’ve witnessed firsthand?
ET: Absolutely. Mary’s Meals is an exemplary institution that has been transforming lives through school feeding programs for over two decades. In countries like Malawi and South Sudan, where poverty and hunger are severe, Mary’s Meals has successfully increased school attendance, reduced hunger, and boosted children’s learning potential. Their work is truly inspirational and demonstrates the immense power of school meals in breaking the cycle of poverty.
The Urgent Need for School Meal Initiatives
WTN: Despite progress, there are still alarming numbers of children who are out of school and facing acute food insecurity. How pressing is the need for school meal initiatives today?
ET: The need is more urgent than ever. According to the World Food Programme, 343 million people worldwide are currently facing acute food insecurity, while UNESCO estimates that 250 million children were out of school as of 2023. School meals can serve as lifelines in regions affected by conflict, climate crises, and economic instability, providing children with the nourishment they need to learn and grow. Investing in school meal initiatives is not just about feeding children; it’s about investing in their futures and the future prosperity of their communities.
WTN: What steps can governments, non-profit organizations, and individuals take to support and expand school meal programs?
ET: Governments can allocate adequate resources to school feeding initiatives and implement policies that support local food procurement. Non-profit organizations can continue to raise awareness, advocate for policy change, and fund school meal programs that demonstrate proven impact. Individuals can support these organizations financially or through volunteering their time and expertise. Every contribution,no matter how small,can make a notable difference in a child’s life.
A Future Where Every Child Can Learn, Grow, and Succeed
WTN: As we mark the International Day of Education, what’s yoru vision for the future of education and how can school meals contribute to realizing that vision?
ET: My vision is a future where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to quality education and the nourishment they need to thrive. school meals are not just a means to an end; they are a vital investment in our collective future. When we feed and educate our children, we empower them to break cycles of poverty, create innovative solutions to global challenges, and build more inclusive, equitable societies. This vision is achievable, but it requires commitment, investment, and coordination from all sectors of society.
WTN: Dr. Thompson, thank you for sharing your insights and for your unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children through education and nutrition. Your work is truly inspiring.
ET: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing this critical issue. Together,we can create a world where every child can learn,grow,and succeed.
