BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

SCHOOLS in Western and Isabel provinces are set to benefit from a comprehensive initiative under the Nutrition Improvement through School Meal Project, aimed at strengthening school infrastructure, enhancing farming techniques and promoting better nutrition for students.

Speaking to media yesterday, UNICEF Solomon Islands Chief of Field Office, Benjamin Grubb outlined that the project goes beyond providing proper meals.

“It also focuses on long-term support through improvements in infrastructure, equipment, and agricultural knowledge.

“To boost food production, schools will receive agricultural machinery and tractors, designed to modernise farming methods and revive traditional farming practices,” he said.

Grubb said the project has several components including the construction of new kitchens, provision of cooking equipment, and improvements to water and sanitation facilities.

He said the tools will help schools grow fresh, nutritious food, reducing reliance on processed products such as noodles.

“Not long ago, students used to eat healthy home-grown foods like cassava, slippery cabbage, and sweet potatoes.

“We are trying to tackle the decline in nutritional value seen in recent years,” Grubb said.

He continues to say that part of the project also aims to educate students and school communities about the value of nutrition and help integrate traditional food knowledge into daily practices.

Grubb said water and sanitation components of the project will further support this vision, with upgrades to clean water access, toilets and shower facilities.

He stated that the broader goal is to create a model that can be replicated across the country to combat malnutrition and promote sustainable school-based farming.

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