Today was the official launch of the feeding program. The turnout was great … we know that we had at least 275 children in addition to their parents and extended in family in attendance. As well, we had government representatives and many special guests.
The community volunteers worked hard preparing food for the children to eat. Most of the meals were cooked outdoors on the charcoal fire. The children were served an enriched soy porridge in the morning and then a lunch that included meat, vegetables and nshima. The children devoured their meals.
The excitement for the children was receiving the special gifts in Ziploc bags. The children all sat in a circle and waited patiently as we made our way around to hand out the gifts. The children were bursting with excitement as they delved into their bags to see what they received.
Children in the feeding program are all at risk due to low weight. They come to the program on Fridays to be weighed by the Community volunteers to check if they are gaining week. Those children that are still underweight then receive a bag of enriched soy porridge powder to make eat at home. The Community Volunteers do a wonderful job of running the program.
It was a very emotional yet enriching day.
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