The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Sierra Leone held a formal handover ceremony at the WFP Kissy Warehouse in Freetown to acknowledge a significant donation from the Republic of Korea: over 36,000 bags (40kg each) of rice, valued at USD 2 million.
This rice will support the National School Feeding Programme, which provides daily meals for primary school children across the country.
The rice, donated through Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), is expected to reach more than 106,700 children in Bonthe, Kambia, Kenema, and Pujehun districts during the 2025/26 academic year. This builds on the previous year’s donation, which provided 48,000 bags of rice and benefited over 123,500 children—helping to achieve a 95 percent school attendance rate and a 97 percent retention rate.
Augustine Koroma, Coordinator of the Free Quality Education program, emphasized the impact of the donation:
“This support ensures that primary school children in targeted areas receive daily nutritious meals, which is critical for both their health and their learning.”
Counsellor Inkee Min of the Republic of Korea to Sierra Leone expressed his government’s commitment, stating,
“This gesture underscores the strong friendship between the people of Sierra Leone and Korea. The hope of any nation lies in education and the nurturing of its young talents. By investing in education, we are investing in Sierra Leone’s future. The Republic of Korea strongly supports school feeding to ensure that every child, especially those in rural communities, has access to both education and nutrition. When the Embassy of Korea officially opens in Sierra Leone, it will serve as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.”
Speaking at the event, WFP Representative and Country Director Andrew Odero highlighted the broader impact of Korea’s support:
“We are grateful to the Republic of Korea not only for the rice itself but for the consistency and clarity of their commitment. Korea has set a standard for meaningful cooperation—one rooted in solidarity and mutual growth.”
This contribution supports Sierra Leone’s “Free Quality School Education” initiative, aimed at fostering human capital development, ensuring children receive daily hot meals, and reducing household food stress in vulnerable communities.
The event concluded with the official handover and a tour of the warehouse loaded with bags of the donated rice. This partnership between the Republic of Korea, WFP, and the Government of Sierra Leone demonstrates a shared commitment to ending hunger and advancing sustainable development through education.
As Sierra Leone continues to prioritize the well-being of its children, this donation stands as a testament to the transformative power of international collaboration in building a brighter future for the nation.
