A new multi-million-dollar school meal nutrition project has been officially launched to improve student health and strengthen local agriculture in Western Province and Isabel.
Funded by the Government of Japan through UNICEF, the $3 million USD initiative aims to boost schoolchildren’s nutritional intake while also building sustainable food systems within communities.
The project will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
Speaking at the launching and short brief of the project , UNICEF Nutrition Officer Mrs. Salome Aroma Namohunu highlighted the project’s broader impact beyond the school gates.
“The program will not only support students’ nutritional needs but also boost community agriculture, hygiene infrastructure, and school food systems,” Mrs.Namohunu said.
The project focuses on four key areas:
Sustainable Food Access – Support will be provided to local farmers and schools to strengthen food production, including the provision of agricultural services to surrounding communities.
Improved School Meal Competence – Nutrition and food environment guidelines will be developed, and kitchen and storage facilities in schools will be upgraded.
Capacity Building – Training in hygiene and nutrition will be offered to schools and community members to improve overall meal quality and safety.
Linking Farmers to Schools – The initiative aims to connect community farmers directly to schools to provide fresh produce and create sustainable income pathways.
Mrs. Namohunu said the project is expected to benefit hundreds of students in selected schools across both provinces, while empowering communities to take ownership of local food and health systems.
‘’This partnership marks a significant step toward achieving food security, enhancing student learning outcomes, and promoting local economic development in rural Solomon Islands,’’ she added.
Six targeted schools across the country benefit it from the $3 million USD will Include: Western Province: Bekabeka CHS, Builah PSS, Gerasi CHS, Patupaele CHS, RC Nicholson PSS, Buri CHS whilst Isabel Province are Allardyce PSS, Sir Dudley Tuti College, Muana CHS,’’
Meanwhile a brief meeting and courtesy visit are scheduled for next week as part of an official visit to the Western Province. The delegation will meet with Western Province Premier Hon. Billy Veo, Provincial Secretary Mr. Patrick Toiraena, and other senior provincial officials.
The visiting delegation will include:
H.E. Keiichi Higuchi – Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands
Mr. Takuya Ichikawa – Official from the Government of Japan
Mr. Benjamin Grubb – Chief Field Officer, UNICEF SIFO
Dr. Samson Viulu – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL)
Dr. Franco Rodi – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD)
Mr. Roy Atu – National WASH in Schools Coordinator, MEHRD
Representative (TBC) – Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS)
Mr. Jared Koli – Communications Officer, UNICEF
Ms. Salome Aroma Namohunu – Nutrition Officer, UNICEF
Following the courtesy visit, the team will meet with the Provincial Health Director, public health program teams, education providers, and agriculture officers. The group will then travel to Vonunu in South Vella La Vella to conduct follow-up activities related to the School Meal Nutrition Program.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star Gizo
