Caritas India has kickstarted the nationwide Nutrition Week celebrations by introducing a series of education programs with the children on inculcating nutrition habits. The education program has been introduced in the existing curriculum of the Child-Friendly Spaces, operational in the flood-affected areas of Dhemaji district in Assam. The initiative is a part of the Flood Recovery Program supported by HCL Foundation and envisages the restoration of continual health, education and nutrition facilities for the vulnerable families in Dhemaji, Assam

Childhood malnutrition is a major concern in Assam, as the state continues to fare poorly in the health and nutrition indicators. Ranked among the bottom five in the National Family Health Survey 4 report, the state continues to struggle to meet the quality implementation of health and nutrition programmes.

The frequent outbreak of natural disasters threatens the health and nutrition of the children in the state, as it exerts pressure on the existing infrastructure and hampers service delivery. The current COVID-19 pandemic has also dealt a major blow to the educational institutions and ICDS centres which serve a key platform in meeting the health and nutrition requirements of the children, as schools and anganwadi centers continue to remain closed for the sixth consecutive month.

To address the concerns on health and nutrition, the CFS volunteers have introduced Nutrition Education as a vital part of the CFS curriculum and engages a variety of methodologies to empower the children with the knowledge and skills to make healthy food choices. The play and learn methodology introduced by the facilitators aim at influencing children’s motivation, attitude and eating behaviour. This apart the children are also taught to nurture and care for the nutrition gardens raised in the school premise and understand the significance of growing their own food. Sessions promoting good hygiene practices are also conducted regularly.

“Having a balanced diet is important for the holistic growth of our children and the best way to introduce them is by capturing their attention with different colours. The children are enjoying this session and even volunteered to bring items from the home to fill in the different food groups in the chart”, remarks a Centre Facilitator from Lalukia village indicating towards a big chart paper filled with food items belonging to different food groups.