The mission was led by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr Jung Yung-soo; Mr Jean-Gabriel Duss, Regional Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); Mr Björn Schranz, Head of Programme for Climate Change and Natural Environment; and Mr Marc-André Prost, WFP Representative and Country Director in Laos.

The visit aimed to observe the implementation of the School Meals Programme in Oudomxay and to evaluate advancements in strengthening food security, nutrition, and local agricultural supply chains. Supported by international partners, the programme provides nutritious daily meals to primary school children while simultaneously creating stable markets for smallholder farmers.

During the meeting, Mr Souwath Mahavongsanan expressed a warm welcome and sincere appreciation to the delegation for their continued support and close cooperation. He highlighted the critical role school meals play in improving student attendance and retention rates, enhancing learning outcomes through better concentration, and promoting nutrition, particularly within remote and disadvantaged communities.

The Vice Governor noted that the programme currently benefits 13 districts across Phongsaly and Oudomxay provinces. The initiative reaches 12,560 direct beneficiaries, including schoolchildren receiving daily hot meals, smallholder farmers supplying fresh, local produce, and officials from the Provincial Education and Sports Departments and District Education and Sports Offices responsible for coordination and monitoring.

The two parties discussed strategies to further strengthen collaboration, specifically regarding the expansion of local food procurement and the long-term sustainability of the initiative. The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to improve child nutrition and rural livelihoods through integrated, community-based approaches.

KPL