The Smiling Children School Feeding Program (SFP), a joint initiative of the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF) and the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) since 2020/21, held a “Cultural Event and Experience Sharing Program” in Benna Tsemay, Hamer woreda, and Turmi Administration on May 12-13, 2025.
The event, hosted at selected beneficiary schools in the South Omo Zone, aimed to strengthen partnerships between local organizations and the Chinese people, as well as raise awareness about the SFP’s goals and benefits. Simultaneously, two specialized experts from the China Agricultural University conducted a rapid survey in project schools, providing valuable feedback to improve SFP implementation.
This program currently supports the nutritional health and educational outcomes of children in 10 primary schools across Hamer Woreda, Bena Tsemay Woreda, and Turmi Town Administration. The event saw participation from senior local government officials, Miss Dai Ling (School Feeding Director, CFRD), Professor Dong Qiang (Agricultural University of China), Dr. Sosina Hailemariam (Deputy CEO & Head of Programs, HRF), and program staff from both foundations. Attendees engaged in cultural activities like traditional dances, wearing local attire, and preparing traditional foods. In recognition of CFRD’s vital support in providing school meals in partnership with HRF, each woreda administration presented them with certificates of appreciation.
The event culminated in community elders bestowing blessings upon the distinguished guests.
