Khammouane province, Laos - May 2008 — Seven-year-old Peng and her brother, Oum, are the lucky two of six siblings able to attend school. Her family has limited access to land for growing rice near their home in Khammouane province, so food is scarce much of the year. Peng was unable to attend school regularly because her parents often needed her help caring for her younger brothers and sisters. Her case is not unusual in Laos, where only 69 percent of kids attend primary school.

In January 2007, IRD began a $1 million United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program in Laos to improve educational opportunities for primary school children. A main focus of the program is to provide additional incentives for school attendance, especially by girls, by serving nutritious mid-morning snacks and providing take-home rations for the children’s families. An estimated 10,000 children will benefit from the program.

Since the feeding program began at Peng’s school, Nangping Primary, she and Oum have had perfect attendance. Every day they each receive a snack; sometimes they keep these for their sisters and brothers at home.

The IRD program will also provide educational supplies and equipment, develop school gardens, and improve school facilities.

In addition to daily snacks, the children also take home some foods to share with their families. Peng receives a can of salmon and two bags of red beans every month, and 15 kilograms of rice at the beginning of the school year in September. Her mother, Hae, says that the feeding program is very helpful for her family.

Peng’s teacher says that Peng and Oum now pay more attention in class and are noticeably healthier and more cheerful. This school feeding program is increasing the odds that these children will complete primary school and break the cycle of poverty in Laos.