HOME GROWTH SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM -FUNDED BY TERRE DES HOMMES GERMANY

Home Grown School Feeding Project

The Home Grown School Feeding Project, implemented by ARC-Africa in Sitti Zone and Dire Dawa City Council, Ethiopia, is a transformative initiative designed to improve child nutrition, educational outcomes, and community resilience. By sourcing food locally, the program strengthens smallholder farmers, supports women-led cooperatives, and stimulates local economies.

Objectives

Ensure schoolchildren receive balanced, nutritious meals.

Reduce hunger and boost attendance and learning performance.

Strengthen local food systems and promote climate resilience.

Empower women and youth through cooperative engagement.

Key Features

Local Sourcing: Food is procured from nearby farmers, ensuring sustainability and economic growth.

Nutrition & Education: Children benefit from improved health, reduced hunger, and enhanced learning capacity.

Community Empowerment: Women-led cooperatives and smallholder farmers are central to the program’s success.

Inclusive Development: Collaboration with communities, local governments, and partners fosters ownership and sustainability.

Impact

The project not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also builds long-term resilience. By integrating education, food security, and empowerment, ARC-Africa creates a model that uplifts communities holistically. The initiative contributes to sustainable food systems, climate adaptation, and inclusive development.

Partnership

Funded by TDH Germany under the ECB framework for the East Africa Child Protection and Safeguarding Program, the project aligns with broader regional goals of child welfare and resilience. ARC-Africa’s approach demonstrates how school feeding can serve as a catalyst for systemic change, linking education with food security and community empowerment. The project will benefit 10 target schools in Sitti Zone and Dire Dawa City Council, reaching over 10,000 children. The description emphasizes the AU ECED Cluster FLN program launch at the Education Directorate, outlines objectives and key features, and highlights the TDH Germany partnership under the ECB framework.
The Official invitation letters of the HGSF Program technical will engage with before 10 May 2026. AU AECID Alignment Program done