Referring to certain factors which can hinder the proper functioning of these canteens, El Hadji Seck, head of the school canteens division at the Ministry of National Education, notably underlines the absence of a regulatory framework. There is no specific law governing school canteens in Senegal. According to him, this situation means that school canteens have long been perceived as temporary support rather than a structured public service. Which, he says, delayed their registration in a clear legislative framework.
However, he reassures by affirming that efforts are underway to strengthen the governance of canteens, with the development of national policies aimed at guaranteeing their sustainability and supervision.
“Although there is a national school food policy and a strategic plan under development, the formalization of these initiatives in the form of a law obeys a long legislative process,” he explains, adding that this implies multisectoral consultations and a strong political will to guarantee lasting funding and effective implementation.
According to El Hadji Seck, the adoption of a law on school food in Senegal would be an essential lever to guarantee fair and lasting access to school meals for all students. Better still, he continues, such a law would also make it possible to institutionalize and secure the financing of canteens, to reduce their dependence on external funding and punctual initiatives. “It would also help to harmonize practices and establish standards in nutritional quality, supply and management,” added Mr. Seck. However, he informed that several measures are implemented for the adoption of a school food law. Among these is the implementation of the multi-sectoral group of food and nutrition at school (GMSANE).
Which is responsible for piloting, implementing and monitoring the school feeding policy, as well as the connection and coordination between the different stakeholders.
“An inclusive dialogue between stakeholders is engaged in the context of GMSANE to align actions and strengthen commitment to sustainable school food,” he said. El Hadj Seck recalled that there are several pilot projects to test school canteen self -management models and identify best practices. “These approaches should lead to legislation that will promote equitable and lasting access to quality school food for all children, thus contributing to their educational success,” he said.
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