Italian donation to WFP's 'Meals in School' programme

COLOMBO: The Italian Government through the Italian Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has donated US$ 2.6 million to improve provisions in the schools where currently a 'Meals in School' programme is in progress.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is providing cooked meals in schools in tsunami and conflict affected areas.

The Italian funding will go towards the revision of school kitchens and stores, as well as providing water and sanitation facilities in some of these same schools. The funds will also be used for kitchen utensils and local purchase of food to compliment the food rations provided by WFP.

The 'Meals in School' programme is being implemented by the Provincial Ministry through the Zonal Education Offices.

The School Development Societies (SDSs) in the schools take the lead role in organising the meals at the school level, which brings in the important element of community participation this programme.

Currently, the WFP-assisted 'Meals in School' programme is being implemented in 1,000 schools catering to 215,000 children. During 2006 and 2007 it is expected that the numbers will go up to 1,395 schools assisting almost 320,000 children.

Many of these schools suffer from the lack of kitchen and storage facilities. Some do not have clean drinking water and sanitation facilities and no utensils to cook the food.

"This donation is most welcome as this would help us to make provisions in the school for proper kitchens, serving areas and stores to keep the food safe from the elements and vermin," said Jeff Taft-Dick, Country Director for WFP in Sri Lanka.