Project Report
| Sep 18, 2017
Fighting Malnutrition for Sustainable Change
By Chandler Jordana | Development Director
![Local Village Girls]()
Local Village Girls
A 2013 study from Michigan State University found that "food insufficiency was associated with significantly poorer cognitive functioning, decreased school attendance, or diminshed academic achievement". In Ouelessebougou, proper nutrition can be the difference between scholastic success and a future confined to illiteracy, as approximately only 1 in 3 Malian adults are literate. The Alliance is doing its part to improve those statistics within the 25 villages we work in by working in partnership with the villagers and their school administrators.
However, these efforts can be rendered somewhat futile if the larger issue of malnutrition is not adequately addressed. This is why the Nutrition Training Program is so vital.
So far, we have received three generous donations for this project. However, the Nurturing Nutrition Program has not been as popular as other intiatives, despite it being equal in importance. Over 2,000 children have already been educated on proper nutrition in 12 village elementary schools. However, we will not be able to educate 2,000 more without your (continued) support. Thank you so much for all your donations thus far, it is a pleasure to have you among our donor community. Iniche!
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Jun 19, 2017
A Healthier Generation
By Judy Hut | Executive Director
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For our 12 elementary village schools, classes are out at the end of June. It has been a successful school year in Ouelessebougou. In addition to learning important skills like reading and writing, nearly 2,000 students received an education on proper nutrition this year. Studies show considerable evidence on the importance of primary education in creating a healthier generation free from the burdens of malnutrition. Hunger and ill-health in school-age children contribute to inefficency in school. Children with diminished cognitive abilites perform poorly and are more likely to drop out of school. There is also an increase in irregular school attendance of malnourished and unhealthy children.
Alliance teachers include nutrition training in the curriculum for all 12 village schools. An essential component is basic practices of proper nutrition including use of handwashing stations, healthy food choices and gardening principles. By educating a generation of primary age students, we believe there will be an increase of availability and consumption of nutritious and diverse diets. We know that teaching the children how to have a well-balanced diet and the means of how to grow nutiritious food, they will grow both mentally and physically stronger with increased opportunities for success.
Thank you for supporting our Nuturing Nutrition program! Because of our generosity, we can continue to provide this important education to hundreds of children. We are grateful to you and our continued support.
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Mar 21, 2017
Fighting Malnutrition is a Family Affair
By Judy Hut | Executive Director
Malnutrition is still a serious concern in Ouelessebougou. To fight this issue, the Alliance includes nutrition training in the curriculum for all of our 12 village schools. We have a pilot program in our Famana school which combines classroom education with hands-on experience in the school garden. Here the students gain practical knowledge such as how to grow and preserve food properly, use chemical fertilizers and composting methods and most importantly, how to have a varied and nutritious diet.
This garden is split into two halves. One side is for the students, the other is a women's garden. Since the students learn the same lessons taught to their mothers, both parent and child can take this knowledge and foster good nutrition at home. "The women and the students all learn about nutrition and the importance of eating vegetables and good food," said Field Director Anounou Sissoko. "The students can learn fast and will, of course, teach their parents." Our hope is families will work together to fight malnutrition.
We are still in need of funding for garden supplies and training. You can help a create a healthier generation in Ouelessebougou. Your donation will help educate and foster healthy habits for village families. Thank you for believing in our mission and your support.
Iniche!
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