The programme has been operating since 2021 at Keng Koum Primary School in Ban Keng Koum village. Local authorities say it has played a key role in improving student nutrition while also addressing long-standing problems of low attendance and school dropouts in the area.

School officials in Khong district report a sharp improvement in attendance since the programme began. Ms Suksamon Ouan-phomchaleun, deputy director of Keng Koum Primary School in Champassak province, said the impact on education had been significant.

 “In the past, our school had a relatively high rate of students skipping classes. Since the lunch programme started, students are more interested in coming to school and rarely miss lessons. Attendance has returned to normal,” she said.

She added that providing meals on campus in Ban Keng Koum village has removed the need for children to leave school at lunchtime, creating a more stable and focused learning environment.

The programme’s success in Khong district is largely attributed to strong community participation. Mr Somhak Loungvanxay, village chief of Ban Keng Koum, said the village had become a model for effective implementation.

Villagers operate a rotation system, taking turns to prepare meals three to five days a week. Parents and community members also make a small annual contribution and regularly donate locally sourced food such as meat, eggs and vegetables. These items supplement staples supplied by WFP, including rice, canned fish and vegetable oil.

School officials said the community-led approach in Ban Keng Koum village helped resolve early operational challenges and strengthened local ownership of the programme.

The school lunch initiative was originally funded under the McGovern-Dole 2020 programme of the United States Department of Agriculture and was due to end in 2025. However, additional funding under McGovern-Dole 2024 has allowed WFP to extend its direct support until 2029.

Mr Phonesavath Khamvilay, head of WFP’s Pakse Field Office, said students in Champassak province would continue to receive key food items, including fortified rice, canned fish and vegetable oil.

Despite the programme’s success, local officials in Ban Keng Koum village highlighted clean water access as a continuing challenge. They said the need for a borehole or a sustainable water system in Khong district had been raised with the education authorities.

WFP said its 2025–2029 plan would place greater emphasis on improving water sources, which are essential for food preparation, school gardening and student hygiene.

Officials say the extension of the programme will help sustain better nutrition, improved educational outcomes and strong community engagement for children in Ban Keng Koum village, Khong district, Champassak province.

KPL