Nepal has made remarkable progress in education, yet challenges remain in ensuring that every child can learn effectively. Hunger is one of the biggest barriers to learning. That is why Finland, together with Norway, has joined the Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-food System (RERAS) initiative in Nepal. RERAS is implemented by UNDP in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and local governments. It promotes climate-resilient agriculture, clean energy solutions for school kitchens, and links farmers’ cooperatives to schools in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. Finland has joined the school feeding component of the project to support nutritious meals for children. The collaboration complements the Government of Nepal’s Home-Grown School Feeding priorities. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting Nepal in building a strong foundation for learning and development.
Finland’s engagement in school feeding is rooted in our own history. At the end of the 19th century, Finland was among the poorest countries in Europe. Famines in the late 19th century claimed 8 percent of our population, and malnutrition was widespread. Children often worked in fields and factories instead of attending school. When Finland became independent in 1917, one of the first priorities was to get children into classrooms. Soon, we realized that hungry children cannot learn properly. Therefore, Finland became the first country in the world to guarantee free school meals by law in 1943. Initially, meals were provided to underprivileged children, but by 1948, they became universal. This decision was transformative: it helped Finland evolve from an unequal, agriculture-based society into a modern welfare state. Education was seen as an investment in the future, and school meals were a cornerstone of that vision.
Finland has developed into a modern welfare society, recognized for having one of the best education systems in the world. Free school meals remain an essential part of Finland’s education system to ensure equal access and participation for children, and they have played a role in the country’s development into an information society.
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Globally, the picture is more challenging. While school attendance has increased, a learning crisis persists: millions of children in low- and middle-income countries attend school but cannot read or write a simple sentence. Climate change, COVID-19, and conflicts have increased food insecurity, hitting children the hardest.
School meals offer a simple, effective solution, improving both nutrition and learning outcomes. That is why Finland helped found the School Meals Coalition in 2021, now joined by over 100 countries and 108 partner organizations. The Coalition’s goal is ambitious: by 2030, every child should receive a nutritious school meal daily.
In Nepal, investing in school meals is one of the most effective ways to improve learning and strengthen communities. Nutritious meals help children stay in school and perform better, while also supporting local farmers and food producers. By sourcing ingredients locally, school feeding programmes can boost rural livelihoods, diversify food systems, and build resilience against crises. Through RERAS, we aim to make school meals a cornerstone of Nepal’s education and nutrition strategy, ensuring that every child has the energy to learn and thrive. This effort complements Finland’s ongoing support to Nepal’s School Education Sector Plan, which supports the Mid-Day Meal Programme to improve equity and learning outcomes. At the same time, the Local Adaptation to Climate Change (LACC) project funded by Finland, the EU, and Nepal will collaborate with RERAS to strengthen local governance in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces and build community resilience to climate impacts. Together, these initiatives demonstrate Finland’s commitment to climate action, education, and inclusive development in Nepal.
We are proud to start this new partnership through RERAS in Nepal, working hand in hand with local communities and partners. For Finland, this is more than a project; it is a commitment to children’s futures and a shared vision of a world where no child learns on an empty stomach.
The author is Ambassador of Finland to Nepal.
