By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, Daily Scope
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a significant contribution of $1.2 million from The OPEC Fund for International Development. This funding aims to support clean cooking solutions in WFP-supported schools across Sierra Leone.
The initiative will enhance WFP’s climate-smart kitchens program in 440 schools located in the Pujehun, Kenema, and Kambia districts. Each school will benefit from the installation of two fuel-efficient stoves and the establishment of 15 community woodlots to combat deforestation.
Additionally, the funding will facilitate training for volunteer cooks on the use and maintenance of these stoves, promoting cleaner cooking practices and environmental protection. “This initiative supports multiple development goals, from improving health and learning conditions for children to protecting the environment and reducing emissions,” stated Walid Mehalaine, Head of Grants at the OPEC Fund. “Through our partnership with the World Food Programme, we are delivering practical, community-based solutions that make a real difference.”
Despite growing governmental and international efforts to promote clean cooking solutions, access remains limited in Sierra Leone, where a significant portion of the population relies on traditional biomass fuels. The government, in collaboration with partners, is actively working to enhance access to clean cooking, but additional investment and support are essential to overcome this challenge.
“Clean cooking technologies and efficient fuel usage in schools will substantially reduce our carbon footprint associated with traditional cooking methods,” said Yvonne Forsen, WFP’s Country Director and Representative for Sierra Leone. “This contribution reflects the OPEC Fund’s integrated approach to development, where climate, education, and community resilience are addressed together.”
WFP’s school feeding program currently provides meals to 254,000 students across five districts, including 26,000 children benefiting from the home-grown school feeding initiative. The Government of Sierra Leone has prioritized this program as a key component of its National School Feeding Policy.
WFP stands as the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and utilizing food assistance to foster peace, stability, and prosperity for those recovering from conflict, disasters, and the effects of climate change.
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