France Donates €2.7 Million Worth of Yellow Split Peas to Boost Zambia’s School Feeding Program

The Government of Zambia has received a significant boost to its school feeding program following the donation of yellow split peas worth €2.7 million from the French Government. The official handover ceremony was officiated by Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, in response to the ongoing drought crisis affecting over 6.6 million Zambians.

The donation is aimed at supplementing cereals in school meals, ensuring food security for learners throughout the 2025 academic year. The yellow split peas will be used in emergency school feeding programs, benefiting approximately 970,000 learners in 1,800 schools across 18 drought-affected districts.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Syakalima emphasized the Zambian Government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in education and nutrition. He highlighted the importance of school feeding programs in enhancing student concentration, attendance, and overall academic performance.

“This generous donation from the French Government is a testament to the power of international partnerships in addressing food insecurity among our learners. We remain committed to ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals, allowing them to focus on their education,” said Hon. Syakalima.

The Minister also called for continued collaboration with stakeholders to safeguard the future of Zambia’s learners, particularly in light of the challenges posed by climate change and food shortages.

The French Government’s intervention is a timely response to Zambia’s drought crisis, reinforcing global efforts to promote food security and quality education. The initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on school attendance and learning outcomes in the affected regions.