Last week, as part of our ongoing initiatives to combat malnutrition among children under five, we provided vital support to 60 children from four home-based Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers in the Shyogwe Sector. These centers—located in Musezero, Kinyami, Kabungo, and Gatare—serve children from vulnerable families who lack the financial resources to meet the nutritional needs necessary for proper physical growth and development.

Through our intervention, each child now receives a package of essential nutrients, including milk, eggs, and porridge, ensuring they have access to a balanced diet. This program was initiated in response to alarming findings, revealing that 49.8% of children under five in the Shyogwe Sector suffer from malnutrition, with 46% of households living in poverty. The lack of access to adequate food is a significant challenge for many families in our region.Through the home-based ECDs, we not only provide nutritional support to the children, but also equip parents with the knowledge to prepare affordable, balanced meals using locally available ingredients. Health Social Worker Francine Mukayiranga leads monthly training sessions for parents at one of the ECD centers, where they participate in hands-on demonstrations on how to prepare nutritious meals on a budget.

This initiative aligns with our mission of reducing extreme family poverty through quality education and empowering families with the tools to ensure their children’s healthy development. Early childhood malnutrition can severely impact cognitive growth, and the nutrients in milk, eggs, and porridge are vital for brain development, enhancing attention span, memory, and problem-solving skills in educational settings. We are proud to continue supporting the children of Shyogwe and their families, fostering both their physical and cognitive growth, and helping pave the way for a healthier, brighter future.