The World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), has officially received a major food donation from the Republic of Korea to bolster the National School Feeding Programme.
The formal handover ceremony took place at the WFP Kissy Warehouse in Freetown, where representatives from the Korean Government, WFP and MBSSE gathered to mark the occasion. The donation, over 36,000 bags of rice (40kg each), valued at USD 2 million, was made through Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA).
The consignment will provide daily nutritious meals to more than 106,700 pupils in Bonthe, Kambia, Kenema and Pujehun districts during the 2025/26 academic year. This contribution follows last year’s donation of 48,000 bags of rice, which benefited over 123,500 children and led to a 95 percent school attendance rate and a 97 percent retention rate in supported schools.
Augustine Koroma, Coordinator of the Free Quality Education Programme, commended Korea’s continued partnership noting: “This support ensures that primary school children in targeted areas receive daily nutritious meals, which is critical for both their health and their learning.”
Representing the Republic of Korea, Counsellor Inkee Min reaffirmed his country’s strong bilateral ties with Sierra Leone. “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,” he stated. He further added that when the Embassy of Korea officially opens in Sierra Leone, it will serve as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
WFP Representative and Country Director, Andrew Odero, expressed gratitude to the Republic of Korea, highlighting the importance of consistency in development partnerships. “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,” he said.
The donation aligns with Sierra Leone’s Free Quality School Education Initiative, which aims to enhance human capital development by ensuring children receive daily hot meals while easing the food burden on vulnerable households.
The ceremony concluded with an official handover and a guided tour of the warehouse, showcasing stacks of the donated rice ready for distribution.
This partnership between the Republic of Korea, WFP and the Government of Sierra Leone reaffirms a shared vision to end hunger, strengthen education and invest in the nation’s future. As the country continues its drive toward sustainable development, the donation stands as a testament to the transformative power of international collaboration in uplifting communities and empowering the next generation.
