Catholic Relief Services has just concluded its quarterly stakeholders’ engagement meeting, as part of its McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition “All Pikin for Learn” Project in Sierra Leone.
The Food for Education and Child Nutrition Project seeks to improve literacy level, health and dietary practices of 69,731 school going children in Koinadugu and Falaba Districts. Through this program, CRS has provided school meals to 51,458 students and teachers, constructed and rehabilitated over 300 school facilities (school blocks, latrines, boreholes and storerooms) in Koinadugu and Falaba Districts; and provided teaching and learning materials to schools.
As part of a comprehensive intervention, that seeks to promote increased knowledge and sustainability, the program trains teachers and administrators, community-based organizations and volunteers. The “All Pikin for Learn” Project is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The stakeholders’ engagement meeting was conducted to evaluate progress on program implementation and consult implementing partners to determine ways to strengthen roles and responsibilities in a COVID-19 environment for continued and improved program performance. The meeting informed stakeholders on progress, results, lessons learned and effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on program implementation.
In his opening statement, Mr. Bernard Ndi, Chief of Party for the All Pikin for Learn Project said:
“Human capital development is at the heart of CRS’s mission and the Food for Education project has been a flagship program of CRS in Sierra Leone. Engages stakeholders, articulates the principles of transparency, responsiveness, participation, and knowledge management and improves accountability for tracking and reporting on project progress.
As the government is positioning for the reopening of schools in October, CRS as a key partner in the educational sector of Sierra Leone is keen to providing a safe and secure program implementation environment in adherence to COVID-19 preventive guidelines and improved program performance.”
On behalf of the partners, Paramount Chief Foday Jalloh of Fudu Kalian Chiefdom commended CRS for their relentless effort in supporting the government’s human capital development agenda and investing in development ventures nationwide.
The program was attended by District Officers of Falaba and Koinadugu, representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Ministry of Agriculture, Caritas Makeni, District Teachers, Chiefdom Authorities and Local Government Chairmen in Koinadugu District.
CREDIT: Abibatu Conteh, Communications Manager