Feed Malnourished Nicaraguan Preschoolers

12 Healthy Pre-Schoolers Graduate!

 December 9, 2011 was an exciting day for 12 five year olds and their parents in Los Chiles, Nicaragua. Parents and teachers proudly watched the pre-school graduates march to the front of the room, receive  diploma’s and bask in their accomplishments.  “Some of these children have attended the daycare/preschool since birth,” says Alexandra Salas, Self-Help project officer.  Construction of the Los Chiles daycare center was completed in 2006.       

 Through gifting from generous donors in the United States, more than 221 children are able to attend daycare centers in Los Chiles and surrounding communities and receive the protein-enriched Quality Protein Maize meals. Parents, teachers and community members bear witness to the overall improved health and well-being of the children.  “The children are more active and eager to learn basic skills because they are getting the vitamins and proteins they need,” says one parent.

 And, according to Salas, the children are leaving pre-school much better prepared for kindergarten.  . Parents and teachers expressed sincere gratitude and thanks to all the people in America who are making it possible for their children to thrive.

Nataly Gains Weight and Energy

Nataly’s mother brought Nataly to the Cico Bodegon (daycare and feeding center) in Las Azucenas, Nicaragua in May of 2010. She was worried about the toll that constant hunger was having on her daughters, especially her 4 month old, Nataly.  Nataly de los Angeles Castellon Garcia was extremely underweight, malnourished and lethargic.

 When measured based on 100 point malnutrition and growth assessment scale, Nataly was a 10. Her physical and mental condition was extremely serious. Daycare and Self-Help staff immediately recognized the urgency of Nataly’s situation and began feeding her QPM porridge in small amounts at intervals throughout the morning. Nataly’s mother was informed of the grave situation and was encouraged to bring Nataly to the feeding center as often as possible.

Nataly’s mother complied and brought Nataly and her sister to the center five days each week. In the following seven months Nataly gained almost 8 pounds. By the time she was 15 months old, Nataly was a healthy, 22 pound baby and closer to the normal range with a score of 30!  While she still has a ways to go, Self Help is thrilled with her progress.  Nataly’s 4 year old sister has also gained weight and, according to their mother, both girls are becoming more active and energetic.

 “Nataly is gaining weight and has a lot more energy,” says her mother. The daycare center’s staff says it is gratifying to see healthier minds and bodies that are curious and energetic.

“This highly digestible protein supplement literally saves lives. Furthermore, measurable improvements in nutrition and childhood development occur, thanks to supporters of the Self-Help International’s feeding program for young children”, says Merry Fredrick, Self Help International Executive Director. "Kudos to our donors who care about those less fortunate."