Maputo, Mozambique, March 1, 2024 – Today marked a special day for the students of Mungazine Primary School in Mozambique as they welcomed a distinguished guest, U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. The visit was part of the Deputy Secretary’s trip to Africa to witness the impact of the USDA’s McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.
The McGovern-Dole Program, named after former U.S. Senators George McGovern and Bob Dole, aims to provide nutritious meals to children in developing countries, while also promoting education and improving food security. Mungazine Primary School is one of the many schools in Mozambique that have benefitted from this program, thanks to the partnership between the USDA and the Mozambican government.
As Deputy Secretary Torres Small arrived at the school, she was greeted with cheers and excitement from the students. The school’s principal, Mr. Joaquim, proudly showed her around the school garden, which was established with the support of the USDA. The garden not only provides fresh produce for the school meals but also serves as a learning tool for the students to understand the importance of agriculture and healthy eating habits.
During her visit, Deputy Secretary Torres Small had the opportunity to interact with the students and teachers, who shared their experiences and the positive impact of the McGovern-Dole Program on their lives. One student, Maria, expressed her gratitude for the nutritious meals she receives at school, which has helped her concentrate better in class and has improved her overall health. Another student, Pedro, proudly showed the Deputy Secretary the vegetables he has grown in the school garden and how he has learned to take care of them.
In her address to the students, Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasized the importance of education and nutrition in breaking the cycle of poverty. She also commended the efforts of the school and the community in maintaining the school garden and ensuring the success of the program. She said, “I am inspired by the hard work and dedication of the students and teachers here at Mungazine Primary School. Your commitment to education and healthy eating is a testament to the success of the McGovern-Dole Program.”
The Deputy Secretary also highlighted the long-standing partnership between the United States and Mozambique in promoting food security and education. She said, “The United States is proud to support the people of Mozambique through programs like McGovern-Dole, which not only provide meals to children but also empower communities to become self-sufficient.”
The visit to Mungazine Primary School was a reminder of the positive impact that the McGovern-Dole Program has had on the lives of children in Mozambique. It has not only provided nutritious meals to students but has also encouraged them to learn about agriculture and healthy eating habits. The program has also helped increase school attendance and academic performance, especially among girls, who are often the most vulnerable to malnutrition and lack of education.
As Deputy Secretary Torres Small bid farewell to the students and teachers, she left behind a message of hope and encouragement. She said, “I am confident that with the support of the McGovern-Dole Program, the students of Mungazine Primary School will have a brighter future ahead. Your determination and hard work will pave the way for a better tomorrow for yourselves and your community.”
The visit to Mungazine Primary School was a heartwarming experience for Deputy Secretary Torres Small, who witnessed firsthand the impact of the USDA’s efforts in promoting education and food security in Mozambique. The McGovern-Dole Program continues to make a positive difference in the lives of children, and with the continued support of the United States, it will continue to do so for years to come.
