Historically, the children of Laos have faced significant challenges related to nutrition. A look at 2023 national statistics from the southeast Asian nation tell the story: 33% of children under five were stunted, 24% were underweight, and 11% were wasted.* These figures emphasize the urgent need for action, especially in rural areas where malnutrition is more severe. What’s more, malnutrition impacts students’ education, further hurting their chances at a better future. While those national statistics are serious, a subset of children in Laos now have a different story to tell.

A “Win-Win” for Laos Communities and Americans

The SLP supports the nutritional needs of children in rural Laos with U.S.-donated food, including fortified rice, lentils and vegetable oil. These foods help combat malnutrition among students, improving their concentration, attendance and academic performance. It also benefits American farmers in several ways:

Voices from Hai Nuea School

Let’s look at SLP in a school in Laos, which brings together not only nutrition and education, but the other programs aspects as well, such as volunteer school cooks, school gardens, improved water and sanitation, and improved school governance system.

Since 2009, Mr. Bounma Boubphanouvong has served as the principal at Hai Nuea school in Khammouane province, southern Laos. In the time since SLP began at his school, Mr. Bounma has seen improvements in nutrition, health, and education for his students from rural and marginalized communities.

Before there were a lot of children, but they didn't come to school and the dropout rate was higher. The benefits are the rate of attendance and enrollment of the students. When they eat lunch at school, it helps them to be more focused and have energy to study. After lunch, they'll still be at school, playing and learning. It reduces hunger in the village and gives parents peace of mind.

Mr. Bounma, Principal, Hai Nuea School

Volunteer Cooks and School Vegetable Garden

SLP trains volunteers to prepare nutritious meals safely using fortified rice, lentils, canned fish, vegetable oil, and vegetables from school gardens and the community. Ms. Lai Seesouphan, a volunteer at Hai Nuea school, cooks for over 60 students, combining fresh vegetables with donated U.S. commodities to make balanced meals that improve children's nutrition and health. Lai notices her hard work paying off.

School vegetable gardens also play a vital role in sustainable nutrition supplementing the U.S. commodities, with over 240 schools cultivating fresh produce for meals. Teachers mentor students on planting and caring for vegetables while learning about nutritious food.

Ms. Lai further explains how students take pride in growing their own vegetables, promoting both agricultural skills and nutritious eating habits.

I think that if we use the vegetables from the market, the students will think that it's a normal vegetable that is nothing special. But if it's a vegetable that they grow at school by themselves, they are happier because they are very young but can produce some vegetables in the garden for themselves.

Ms. Lai, Volunteer Cook

Improving Water and Sanitation

Water and sanitation systems in Laos schools are being improved with the help of the SLP, which uses local expertise to ensure effectiveness and sustainability. Over 130 schools are currently enhancing their water systems and promoting better hygiene, creating healthier learning environments. Hygiene practices are further improved through the program by engaging older students as WASH ambassadors to mentor others.

Education for All

SLP supports literacy in Lao schools by training teachers and local educators to improve their teaching skills and adapt to the needs of students. SLP also provides literacy materials, such as reading corner libraries and take-home resources, to encourage practice and enjoyment. Additionally, SLP promotes digital learning helping schools embrace technology for better learning outcomes.

SLP Next Steps

As the SLP progresses, it continues to transform lives in Laos by addressing hunger and supporting education. From 2025 to 2029, the project will evolve into the School Lunch and Literacy Project (SLLP) supported by the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program. Partnering with the World Food Programme, CRS will lead enhancing literacy, teacher capacity strengthening and WASH activities alongside the Ministry of Education and Sports, local authorities, and communities.

References
Report: Lao PDR 2023 Nutritional Status of Children (UNICEF)  
Report: Cost-Benefit Analysis of the School Meals Programmes in Lao PDR, May 2018, page 22 (WFP)