China-donated school meals bring more than food to primary students in Myanmar

"Because they attend school regularly, they have made progress," Daw Than Than Kyin said.

The Smiling Children Program has also eased concerns among parents. "Now, parents are less worried about whether their children will go hungry," she said.

"All children here can now eat safe and nutritious food," she said.

Around lunchtime, the aroma of freshly cooked food drifts from the school's kitchen, where a group of mothers prepare meals for students.

Among them is Daw Win Win Aye, whose son is a student at the school. She has been a member of the program for three years, having joined when her elder son was attending the school before he moved on to middle school.

"We prepare nutritious meals with a balanced diet, including meat and vegetables," she said.

A distinctive feature of the program is the formation of the Mother Group, like the one Daw Win Win Aye belongs to, made up of students' mothers who participate directly in meal preparation. The arrangement helps ensure food safety while creating employment opportunities for local women.

To support these mothers, the China Foundation for Rural Development has provided training in food safety, hygiene, nutrition, procurement, and food safety emergency response for members of the group.

The program has not only improved student nutrition but also upgraded school facilities. A new kitchen building has replaced the previous cooking area.

"Before, we cooked under a roof with no walls. Now the kitchen is much better," Daw Win Win Aye said.