Togo / A New Chapter for School Canteens: Towards Decentralized Management by Local Authorities
The school canteens program, initiated by President Faure Gnassingbé to provide a daily hot meal to each student, is entering a new phase with its imminent transfer to local authorities. Three pioneering municipalities in the Plateaux region, namely Est-Mono 2, Akébou 1, and Anié 1, have been selected to experiment with this change in management.
This transition aims to empower local authorities in the implementation of the national School Canteens program. The decision was made during an exchange and information meeting organized by the National Agency for Support to Grassroots Development (ANADEB) in Atakpamé. It is part of the provisions and guidelines adopted in a council of ministers meeting a year earlier.
The designated municipalities will be tasked with raising awareness among stakeholders, establishing management committees for school canteens, and recruiting individuals responsible for meal preparation. This approach aims to strengthen local engagement and ensure more efficient management tailored to the specific needs of each community.
It is worth noting that the school canteen program, introduced in Togo since 2020 and currently under the management of ANADEB, aims to combat child malnutrition while promoting better school attendance. This new shift towards decentralized management by local authorities aligns with a desire to promote a more local, participatory approach adapted to the specific realities of each region.
By entrusting the responsibility of school canteens to local authorities, the Togolese government hopes to enhance the program’s effectiveness while fostering socio-economic development at the local level. This transition marks a significant turning point in promoting the well-being of children and represents an important step toward increased autonomy for communities in managing educational initiatives.
