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By Annonciata Byukusenge
In a bid to fight child stunting and improve the well-being of vulnerable households, SOS Village Nyamagabe has launched a nutrition awareness campaign in partnership with the Nyamagabe District. The initiative, which is being implemented in the Uwinkingi Sector, aims to eradicate malnutrition through education and community engagement.
The organization works hand in hand with local early childhood centers to supply school materials, promote kitchen gardens, and set up a model “kitchen village” where parents are trained to prepare balanced meals using locally available foods.
According to Mutabazi Byishe Edouard, Director of SOS Village Nyamagabe, the program currently supports 103 families in Uwinkingi Sector, focusing on changing perceptions around nutrition and healthy eating.
“We help parents understand that eating well isn’t about cooking meat and fries,” Mutabazi said. “It’s about making the best use of what they already have. Families now prepare meals with beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and small fish, and we’ve seen a real change in their attitudes.”
Many of the families under the program previously faced domestic conflicts that led to child neglect, hunger, school dropouts, and, in some cases, children living on the streets.
One of the beneficiaries, Niringiyimana Laurance, a resident of Kabisekuru Village in Kibyagira Cell, said the training has brought real change to her household.
“I’ve learned how to feed my children a balanced diet,” she said. “Before, I used to sell eggs at the market, but now my children eat well and hardly fall sick.”
Uwamariya Agnes, Nyamagabe District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, noted that Uwinkingi Sector has historically faced challenges such as polygamy and child neglect. However, she said government programs promoting gender equality have contributed to changing mindsets.
“The principle of gender equality has helped men realize that raising children isn’t a woman’s job alone,” she said. “Today, fathers are also taking part in ensuring their children eat nutritious meals.”
The vice mayor called on the community to play an active role in improving family welfare, particularly by paying close attention to children’s health.
“No parent should feel comfortable seeing their child hungry or malnourished,” she said. “Good parenting starts at home, with both partners working together.”
The efforts by SOS Village Nyamagabe are expected to help families in Uwinkingi and other sectors across Nyamagabe District end malnutrition for good. The organization is also extending its nutrition and family empowerment programs to parts of Nyaruguru and plans to expand to Gisagara District in the near future.
