Ever noticed how your child's mood changes based on what's on their plate?
Ever noticed how their mood changes based on what's in their stomach?
At Shanita, where our team closely follows and monitors 250 children 24/7, we've discovered firsthand how the right meals transform more than just a mood – they can change their future!
Nutritious meals are more than just sustenance; they're the cornerstone of every child's well-being and development. In Karamoja, Uganda, where too many children come from backgrounds of severe malnutrition, ensuring access to balanced diets is crucial.
Feeding became a pillar of support at Shanita; if we want to see children succeed in class, we first have to make sure they are safe, fed, and healthy. So we've made it our mission to address this food challenge head-on, prioritizing the provision of nutritious meals to support physical and cognitive growth among vulnerable children under our care and beyond.
Where should we start? Understanding Hunger in Schools
Our journey began with a comprehensive survey across different schools in the Moroto region interviewing hundreds of students. What we found was disheartening: many children relied solely on school meals for their daily nutrition, yet these meals were often insufficient, lacking in both calories and essential nutrients.
The consequences were dire, with high rates of hunger and malnutrition prevalent among the student population.
The consequences of inadequate nutrition are profound and far-reaching, affecting every aspect of a child's life. From impaired growth and weakened immune systems to reduced cognitive abilities and increased vulnerability to chronic diseases, the effects of malnutrition can last a lifetime, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and malnutrition for generations to come.
Time to act!
To address this crisis, we initiated a pilot program focused cultivating food. We've dedicated an acre of land within school grounds to cultivate a variety of crops suitable for the local climate.
Through a careful selection and sustainable farming practices, we've prioritized the production of healthy and nutrient-rich produce. Our carefully selected crops offer diverse health benefits, contributing to a well-rounded diet for the school population.
From tomatoes and onions to a varity cof greens, cabbage and peanuts, each crop plays a vital role in promoting health and well-being. By cultivating these crops, we're not just feeding children; we're nurturing their potential and sowing the seeds for a brighter future.
The impact
We take pride in the progress we've achieved so far. The impact of our efforts is tangible: children in our care are not only eating better but experiencing a transformation in their mood and concentration levels in class—it's like magic!
More than providing meals, cultivating our own nutritious vegetables helps educate and bring improtant life lessons to the children about the value of the food they eat and fosters a practical learning environment that equips children with valuable skills in sustainable agriculture.
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