Indonesia's $3.5M Boost: Nourishing Afghan Schoolchildren's Future

Indonesia has stepped up its global humanitarian efforts by donating USD 3.5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP), aimed at supplying fortified biscuits to 200,000 Afghan schoolchildren. Announced by Khaama Press, this initiative seeks to enhance nutrition, learning outcomes, and school attendance in Afghanistan over a three-month period.

In a post on social media platform X, WFP revealed that the funding will facilitate the procurement of more than 1,200 metric tons of biscuits enriched with protein and vitamins, set to be distributed among primary schools. These snacks are designed not only to improve children's health and concentration but also to enhance their educational experiences for a promising future, according to Rina Setiawati, Director of International Development Cooperation at Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As highlighted by the WFP Deputy Country Director in Afghanistan, these fortified biscuits often represent the sole nutritious meal in a day for many children, offering essential energy needed for academic growth. Targeting regions plagued by chronic food insecurity, high malnutrition rates, and low school attendance, this nutritional support is crucial, yet funding insufficiencies continue to threaten the sustainability of such beneficial programs, Khaama Press reported.

Facing a dire hunger crisis, Afghanistan's situation remains alarming, with projections indicating that by 2025, 3.5 million children under five and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding mothers will be affected by malnutrition. While Indonesia's generous contribution is a significant boost, WFP stresses that ongoing international aid is pivotal to breaking the hunger cycle and securing a brighter future for Afghan children.

(With inputs from agencies.)