On 20 August, the Centre of Excellence against Hunger took part in the virtual event “Learning Forum: Solutions and Technological Possibilities in School Nutrition Programmes”, organised by the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, dedicated to the exchange of experiences on innovation and technology applied to school feeding programmes.
The event brought together government representatives, researchers, development partners and experts to discuss solutions capable of strengthening the management, monitoring, food security and transparency of school feeding programmes.
The initiative built on the cooperation established following a visit by a South African delegation to Brazil in March 2025 (photo), comprising representatives from South Africa’s Department of Basic Education. The study mission was organised by the Centre of Excellence against Hunger, with support from the National Fund for Education Development Fund (FNDE), the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and partners in the Brazilian Federal District government.
During the programme, participants gained first-hand insight into the implementation of the National School Meals Programme (PNAE), including experience of sourcing food from local family farms to feed pupils.
One of the highlights of the forum was the presentation by Edenilza Costa de Souza Carvalho, PNAE Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, representing the FNDE.
In her presentation, the expert outlined the technologies and mechanisms used by the Brazilian programme for monitoring, management and accountability, sharing experiences that contributed to the debate on strengthening transparency, efficiency and governance in school feeding programmes.
The meeting discussed the potential of technology as a tool for expanding the capacity of school feeding programmes, making processes more streamlined, accessible and interconnected, as well as fostering innovation, collaboration and the exchange of knowledge amongst the various stakeholders involved.
Held in English, the event featured simultaneous interpretation into Portuguese provided by the Centre of Excellence’s interpreters, Vitória Rufino and Beatriz Pimentel.