The Ambassador of Japan accredited to Haiti Mitsuaki Mizuno, and Raphael Chuinard, Deputy Director of the World Food Program (WFP - Haiti) in the presence of Harlem Cazeau, Director General of the National Coordination of Food Security (CNSA), Nadine Dorival , Representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, proceeded to the signing on Thursday, February 28 at the Embassy of Japan, of a Cooperation Agreement relating to local purchases for the School Canteen Program.

This agreement consists of a contribution of US $2 million to fund the distribution of school meals based on the purchase of local products. More than 16,000 students will benefit from this contribution for two years.

Through this project in partnership with WFP, Japan will contribute to the promotion of agriculture and the strengthening of food security and the promotion of education.

"This contribution from Japan will enable WFP to support the Government of Haiti's efforts to revitalize the agricultural sector, improve the livelihoods of smallholders, especially women, and diversify schoolchildren's diets," said Raphael Chuinard.

Thanks to Japan's contribution, WFP will further develop the school feeding program to reach 46,000 children over the next two school years. These children are part of WFP's general school meal program in 9 departments, with 360,000 children receiving meals each month.

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre