Malnutrition is a serious problem in Uganda. With children born in 2010 having an average life expectancy of 54 years, it is easy to see that basic nutritional and health needs are not being met in the land-locked East African nation. Poverty and corruption are widespread, particularly in the rural areas where around 85% of Ugandans reside, most of whom are dependent on farming.
Children’s nutritional needs are of paramount importance, as when children are malnourished, their ability to concentrate in school is reduced and the poverty cycle continues. The GVN Foundation’s partner organization in Uganda has been providing a hot lunch for 160 students and 9 teachers at Nalusse Success Primary School in Mukono Town since February 2008.
Having a hot lunch at school is very important to these kids, as many come to school without breakfast. Before the nutrition program started, most of the kids only ate a small dry bun for lunch, but now they are served a cornmeal-like cake (posho) with beans. The program has been hugely successful – the students are now much more energetic and their learning has significantly improved. Moreover, the program is contributing to the students’ personal development, as well as the development of Uganda in the long run.
The approximate cost for running this program for one year is US$7,000, which includes all ingredients, cooking materials, salary for the cook and distribution costs. The funds raised from Eat So They Can this year will enable us to continue supporting the program in 2013, so together we can continue to help these children out of the poverty cycle, one meal at a time.
- Elizabeth and the ESTC Team
- Elizabeth and the ESTC Team
1 comment:
I'm always amazed by the people behind such noble advocacy. We all know that a lot of people in Uganda suffer malnutrition, and this is a great way of helping them overcome the problem.
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