For Yeshey Peljor, a Grade IV student of Hongtsho Primary School in Thimphu, the One Child, One Egg initiative is more than just a school feeding programme. It is an experience that has touched his life and helped him understand the importance of nutrition, care, and the kindness behind a simple act of giving.
At the FAOโs Global Exhibition From Seeds to Foods, held in Rome from 10 to 12 October, Yeshey had the opportunity to share this experience with the world. As the youngest speaker and the only participating student at the global event, he brought something unique to the international stage: the perspective of a child who has directly benefited from the initiative.
Yesheyโs journey to Rome began in May 2026, when an FAO delegation visited the school and heard him share his reflections on the initiative and express his gratitude on behalf of his fellow students. Inspired by his story, the FAO Country Office in Bhutan selected him to share his experience at the exhibition.
โWhen I hold an egg in my hand, I see a long chain of love,โ Yeshey shared, capturing the heart of the initiative in a few simple yet powerful words.
Behind every egg, Yeshey sees a story: the mother hen on the farm, the hardworking farmer who cares for her, the driver who transports the basket over the bumpy mountain roads, and the school cook who prepares it for children. โIt connects our traditional farms directly to our school desks,โ he added.
โThe egg that we receive every day is not only helping us grow healthy and strong; it is also helping many Bhutanese farmers earn income and support their families,โ he explained.
For Yeshey, the initiative represents more than a meal. โAs beneficiaries of this programme, we may see only an egg on our plate, but behind that egg lies a much bigger story. It is a story of care, partnership, and investment in the future of Bhutan’s children,โ he said.
โWhen you invest in a childโs plate, you are not just giving us a meal; you are giving us hope,โ he added.
The exhibition provided a global platform for countries, farmers, development partners, and innovators to share experiences and explore ways to improve food security, nutrition, and the sustainability of agrifood systems.
Bhutan used the platform to showcase the One Child, One Egg initiative alongside its sustainable agricultural development efforts including linkages between local farmers and institutional markets. Through Yesheyโs voice, Bhutan shared a powerful message about how collective action can make a difference in childrenโs lives.
Beyond speaking on the main stage, Yeshey also helped showcase Bhutanese products and culture, interacted with international audiences, and explored agricultural products and innovations from different parts of the world. He experienced new cultures and cuisines and connected with people from diverse backgrounds, gaining a glimpse of how countries around the world are working to build a better future for their children.
Reflecting on the experience, Yeshey said, โI felt proud to represent Bhutan and share my experience with the One Child, One Egg initiative. I learned that countries around the world are working hard to ensure that children have healthy food and good opportunities.โ
โIt was a special experience that I will always remember,โ he added.
Launched in 2025 by the Honโble Prime Minister of Bhutan and the FAO Director-General, the One Child, One Egg initiative currently reaches 335 schools, benefiting 31,579 students across extended classrooms (ECRs), primary schools, and five special institutes. It is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock,FAO Bhutan, and other partners.
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