Improved cookstoves prevent deforestation

The mass distribution of anti-parasite medication (provided by the Ministry of Health program) coincides with the celebration of Christmas. Therefore a light meal was prepared for the children, so they had something in they bellies, before taking these drugs. When we asked if the soup was prepared with an improved cookstove, the answer was: “of course, it was prepared in the school. But the gifts the children were looking forward to where much more important”.

Thanks to the support of all concerned, from early companions to long-standing friends, this year's celebration had a special sparkle to it, as they were able to share with their respective families the joy of donations for the children of ZAHANA's two schools. Hard candy, cookies, ready to eat packaged soups, cups and clothes (mostly) in their size were distributed to all children of our two schools.

Please keep in mind, Zahana didn’t forget the kids from the public schools in our village. Their students also got clothes and candy as part of the festivities.

It was under this highly symbolic theme of "CHRISTMAS AND SHARING" that the Christmas festivities were celebrated this year, 2023. Under the aegis of the ZAHANA association, the activities were led by the twelve members of the newly-appointed Leaders' Committee from the association's four village sites.

Songs and dances celebrating the nativity alternated during these moments of jubilation under the amazed eyes of their parents and the audience.

Taking advantage of the season and the end-of-year festivities, ZAHANA was keen to publicly congratulate and celebrate those who had made tangible efforts to maintain their family vegetable garden in all 4 village sites. They were awarded a symbolic prize in the spirit of encouraging other to follow their example.

As is customary at ZAHANA, reforestation activities preceded the events.