School meal handover ceremony.

Lunch programme expanded to 100 primary schools in Savannakhet

A ceremony took place on Thursday at Phonmuang Primary School in Xepon district, Savannakhet province, to mark the handover of 100 primary schools in Xepon and Nong districts to the National School Meals Programme, strengthening efforts to improve child nutrition and education outcomes in remote areas of the province.
The handover was implemented under the LEAPS III (Learning and Engaging All in Primary School Phase III) project, reflecting the successful partnership between the Ministry of Education and Sports and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), with support from development partners.
The ceremony was chaired by Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Dr Daravone Kittiphanh, and Vice Chairman of the Savannakhet Provincial Administration Committee, Mr Thongsay Xayyavongkhamdy, who is in charge of cultural and social affairs.  

Children enjoy lunch provided under a school meals programme.

Also attending the event were the Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Education and Sports, Mr Amphone Khaophiasouphom; Second Secretary for Economics, Energy and Climate at the Australian Embassy in Laos, Ms Catia Rizio; and Country Representative for CRS Lao PDR, Mr Joshua Poole.

Hundreds of other people joined the event, including representatives from the National Assembly, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provincial and district education offices, parents, teachers and students.
Following opening remarks by Mr Thongsay, education officials from Xepon and Nong districts presented reports on project implementation, pre-handover preparations, and post-handover readiness plans.
Dr Daravone expressed appreciation to local authorities and communities for their strong engagement in the project, noting that the initiative aligns with national education policies and legislation.
“This partnership aligns with the development plan and legislation of the education and sports sector, which emphasises equity and participation to ensure that quality education and proper nutrition are accessible to all children,” she said. 
“The project also seeks to reduce dropout rates, encourage child enrollment, and enhance the school environment.”
Mr Poole reaffirmed CRS’ commitment to supporting critical education programmes in Laos and expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Sports as a key partner and co-implementer of the project.
Additional recognition was given to the Provincial Department of Education and Sports and all District Education and Sports Offices. Mr Poole also highlighted the shared goal to ensure that all children have access to high-quality education.
Ms Rizio said the impact of school meals extends beyond classrooms.
“Families adopt healthier practices at home, children practise reading with their siblings, and local farmers strengthen their livelihoods by contributing fresh produce to school meals while also supplying nutritious produce to local markets,” she noted.
Since 2012, the LEAPS project has supported improvements in attendance, engagement and literacy among students at 350 schools in remote areas of seven districts in Savannakhet province.
Supported by the Australian government through the BEQUAL programme and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), LEAPS III, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, continues to provide daily school lunches while strengthening education systems in rural communities.
The current and final phase of the LEAPS project is financing the provision of nutritious meals, including fortified rice, vegetable oil and lentils, while eggs, soy milk and Sacha Inchi powder are procured locally, contributing to improved nutrition and local economic development.
Beyond school meals, the LEAPS project strengthens school environments by improving access to clean water, installing latrines and handwashing facilities, and promoting sanitation and hygiene.
The project also expands opportunities for early childhood education, supports communities in adopting improved health, nutrition, and agricultural practices, and enhances school governance and policy engagement with governments.
Furthermore, the project supports teacher training and provides classroom materials to strengthen literacy instruction and improve student outcomes.
The handover ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Education and Sports and Catholic Relief Services to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of school meals.
With the latest handover, all 302 target schools under LEAPS III have successfully transitioned to the National School Meals Programme. These include 103 schools in Athsaphon and Phalanxay districts in 2024, 99 schools in Phin and Vilabouly districts in 2025, and the final 100 schools in Xepon and Nong districts this year.
An additional 46 schools in Outhoumphone district were transferred under LEAPS Phase II in 2022.
The handover ceremony underscored both the challenges and opportunities in maintaining and expanding school lunch programmes. All stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the National School Lunch Programme, which aligns with the Education and Sports Sector Development Plan on equity and inclusion in education for all.
On the same day, the chairman and guests observed school lunch activities, kitchen gardens, food storage, cooking areas, animal raising, and community participation.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update February 13, 2026)