Deadline: 15-May-2026
UNICEF has launched a call for expression of interest to implement an integrated programme in the Solomon Islands aimed at improving nutrition, health, hygiene, and climate resilience for school-aged children in Isabel and Western Provinces. The initiative focuses on school meals, WASH services, climate-smart agriculture, safeguarding, and community engagement while addressing malnutrition and food insecurity through local food systems and school-based interventions. The programme also strengthens gender-based violence prevention, digital outreach platforms, and social behaviour change initiatives in partnership with NGOs and government authorities.
About the Initiative
The programme targets school-aged children in Isabel and Western Provinces of the Solomon Islands and is led by UNICEF. It integrates nutrition, health, WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene), and climate resilience interventions to improve child wellbeing, education outcomes, and community food systems.
Key Focus Areas
- Child nutrition improvement and malnutrition prevention
- Health services and immunization awareness
- Hygiene and sanitation (WASH infrastructure and behaviour change)
- Climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems
- School meal and feeding system development
- Gender-based violence awareness and prevention
- Protection systems including prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse
- Social and behaviour change communication
- Digital engagement through platforms like Laaha and Seek the Ways
- Community participation and awareness building
Nutrition and Food Security Context
The Solomon Islands faces undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising overweight and obesity rates. Poor dietary diversity, high sugar consumption, and limited access to nutritious foods are major concerns. Climate shocks such as floods and droughts further worsen food insecurity, especially for agriculture-dependent households.
School-Based Nutrition Approach
Schools are key platforms for improving nutrition and learning outcomes but face gaps in sanitation, water access, and food availability. There is no national school feeding programme. UNICEF is piloting a home-grown school meal model that links schools with local farmers, builds short food supply chains, and develops meal plans based on local food availability and nutritional needs.
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems
The initiative promotes climate-resilient farming and production of nutritious crops such as tomatoes, peanuts, taro, sweet potato, yam, and leafy greens. It also supports subsistence livestock systems to improve household and school food availability.
WASH, Health, and Nutrition Interventions
The programme improves access to climate-resilient WASH services in schools, strengthens sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, promotes healthy eating practices, integrates nutrition services, and supports immunization awareness.
Safeguarding and Protection
The initiative strengthens child protection systems, prevents sexual exploitation and abuse, promotes gender-based violence awareness, and ensures safe school environments.
Community Engagement and Behaviour Change
The project increases awareness and demand for nutrition and immunization services through social and behaviour change activities, especially among marginalized communities.
Digital Platforms and Innovation
UNICEF expands digital platforms such as Laaha and Seek the Ways to improve outreach to adolescents and caregivers across the Pacific region.
Implementation Approach
UNICEF will partner with a national or international NGO and coordinate with government ministries and provincial education authorities to ensure sustainable implementation.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved child nutrition and reduced malnutrition
- Better access to safe water and sanitation in schools
- Stronger climate-resilient food systems
- Increased availability of nutritious school meals
- Improved health awareness and immunization uptake
- Strengthened safeguarding and protection systems
- Increased community engagement in nutrition and health
Why This Initiative Matters
The programme addresses malnutrition and obesity, strengthens food security, improves school environments, builds climate resilience, supports child protection, and promotes sustainable community development.
FAQ
What is the UNICEF initiative about?
It is an integrated programme to improve nutrition, health, WASH, and climate resilience for children in the Solomon Islands.
Who does it target?
School-aged children, schools, farmers, and communities in Isabel and Western Provinces.
What is the school meal model?
A system linking schools with local farmers to provide nutritious, locally sourced meals.
Which sectors are included?
Nutrition, health, WASH, education, agriculture, climate resilience, safeguarding, and digital engagement.
Who will implement the programme?
A selected NGO in partnership with UNICEF and government authorities.
Conclusion
The UNICEF initiative strengthens child nutrition, education, and resilience in the Solomon Islands through integrated school meals, climate-smart agriculture, WASH improvements, safeguarding systems, and community engagement, creating long-term health and development benefits for children and communities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.