Healthy Gardens Grow Healthy Children

"We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the foundation of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his senses are being developed. 
To him we cannot answer "Tomorrow". His name is "Today"." 
Gabriela Mistral, 1948

A children’s first five years are critical to their development and future success. Adequate nutrition ensures proper brain development, strengthens immunity, promotes physical growth and strength, and develops good eating habits that children carry on to adulthood.

In Burundi, the World Health Organization has reported that more than one in three children under age 5 are underweight. Additionally, more than half of Burundi’s young children are suffering from stunted growth due to poor nutrition.

The United Nations Children’s Fund has reported Burundi’s under-5 mortality rank to be one of the highest in the world, as malnutrition and diarrhea claim numerous children’s lives.

We know that these deaths are preventable. We know that Burundian communities are strong, and that Burundian parents are committed to love and provide for their children.

This is why we have begun to work with mothers who are leaders in their communities, training them in nutrition education.

Mothers are becoming community educators, spreading health messages and good nutrition practices to their neighbors.

Our children’s futures begins today, and their mothers recognize the importance of their roles as caregivers, teachers, and community leaders.

The mothers call themselves Abitanga, or “people who give themselves”. They are giving their time to impact their communities, their children.

We celebrate the recent training of 73 mothers who are leading their communities in trainings. In the coming months, the Abitanga are planning to train over

1000 mothers in their communities about combating malnutrition and implementing good nutrition practices in the home.

In Pictures:

Right- FH staff member, Kenaz, measures and weighs primary school children to assess growth

Left- Mothers learn how to make a sack garden