In the remote highlands of Sakteng, Bhutan, the National School Feeding Programme is transforming schools into vital community hubs that nourish children and support local livelihoods. For families in eastern Bhutan, where nomadic Brokpa traditions and limited access to basic services make life challenging, schools are more than educational spaces—they provide nutrition, safety, and a stable environment for children.
For many students, school meals are the most reliable source of nutrition in communities dependent on herding yaks and sheep. The programme delivers daily meals fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, carefully planned with guidance from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and professional nutritionists. This ensures children receive adequate nutrition to grow, focus, and thrive academically and physically.
At Sakteng Lower Secondary School, the introduction of boarding facilities has been particularly transformative. Students from nomadic families, who previously stayed alone while their parents moved with herds, now live safely in the hostel, eat nutritious meals, and can focus on their studies. This secure environment has encouraged higher attendance, particularly among girls, who now benefit from both safety and consistent education.
The programme’s impact extends beyond the students themselves. Families gain peace of mind knowing their children are fed and cared for at school, while local farmers benefit from procurement initiatives that source vegetables, dairy, and eggs directly from the community. These efforts strengthen the local economy and foster closer ties between schools and the surrounding communities.
School meals have also contributed to measurable improvements in student health, concentration, and engagement. A 2023 study on Body Mass Index (BMI) among students supported the launch of Menu+, an initiative aimed at raising standards for food quality and variety. Enhanced nutrition, coupled with structured extracurricular activities and modernized kitchen facilities, has created a safer, healthier, and more stimulating learning environment.
Overall, Bhutan’s National School Feeding Programme has become a cornerstone of community well-being. It enhances education, promotes health, supports livelihoods, and strengthens social cohesion. For children in Sakteng, school is no longer just a place to learn—it is where their futures begin, one nourishing meal at a time. Principal Sonam Jigme captures the essence: “It is not just food. It is trust. It is an opportunity. It is a lifeline.”
