African Union, UNICEF appreciate success of Ethiopia’s School Feeding Program

Addis Ababa, March 12, 2025 (FMC)—The African Union (AU) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have praised Ethiopia’s school feeding program for its significant impact on improving quality of education.

AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation Professor Mohammed Belhocine said the Ethiopian government is actively pursuing internationally recognized, quality education along with equitable access.

According to him, AU member states are prioritizing formal, technical, and vocational education for school dropouts, with support for system development. African leaders and institutions face increasing pressure to accelerate educational quality and access, particularly by 2025.

This year’s African Day of School Feeding will be held in Bangui, Central African Republic, the commissioner stated, emphasizing the program’s crucial role in ensuring consistent school attendance, particularly for girls, by combating hunger as a barrier to education.

School feeding programs are vital for quality and accessible education ahead of the African Day of School Feeding, observed annually in March, Professor Belhocine said, emphasizing the role of the program in boosting student attendance.

UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, stressed that the 37th AU Leaders’ Summit theme underscores the importance of diverse and high-quality education.

She noted that African countries are utilizing a South-South approach to enhance educational quality continent-wide.

School feeding programs, like Ethiopia’s, are vital for boosting attendance, especially among disadvantaged children, by providing essential nutrition for improved focus and academic performance, the regional director added.

School feeding programs are crucial for school attendance and active engagement, driving improved academic performance as they enhance student focus, fostering classroom success, Kadilli told local news agency ENA.

Ethiopia is reforming its school feeding program to maximize effectiveness, prioritizing quality, accessibility, and sustainability, it was learned.

Statistics on the program demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based outcomes, guiding future initiatives.