How SUN Project Evolved

This post has already been read 476 times!

Suhrid Foundation carried out few initial camps and visits in the Vikramgadh region – our catchment area near Mumbai. Objective of this was to understand the people, background, history, lifestyle, health issues, infrastructure, medical facilities etc etc… It was very evident that most of the kids were suffering from malnutrition. Parents were neither aware of importance of good diet nor bothered about it. Our attempts to communicate with the parents in this direction failed. At the same time, during the visit to Janathepada school, we realized that the kids are under better control of the teachers. Moreover, at least, they have mid-day meal facilities, which can be leveraged for us to introduce the nutrition. Government provide them Rice, Dal, Matki, Basic spices, Salt, Turmeric, cummin .. The menu was common across all the schools. Kids used to get dal-rice (twice a week), Khichadi (twice a week), Rice + matki/masur (twice a week). Though the quality was good, most of the stuff appeared quite dry and not so tasty for the kids (They did not complain but ate as much as possible). As per our dietitian, it was more of carbohydrates and a bit of protein. Hardly any Vitamin or mineral. Most of the kids did show deficiency.

Initial challenges faced

– Unavailability of good vegetables.
– Reluctance of parents to contribute anything towards it.
– Reluctance of cooks to try something new for the kids.
– Kids not getting healthy diet at home.

How did we address the challenges?

• We shared our views with one of the known dietitian, who was familiar with the setup. She worked out the following plan for the kids based on what was available .. As per this, each kids should get at least 40 to 45 gms of specified vegetables. Jaggery (Gud) to be given on alternate days for iron.
• We asked teachers to provide us rough estimate for the above mentioned menu.. We found out that the average expenditure per kid was hardly 600 Rs per year (210 days). We decided to sponsor hundred percent from our kitty.
• Our dietitian devised the menu in such a way that the cooks just need to add the required material into Dal or Khichadi.
• Ideally, one expects 2 small and 2 large meals per day. I assume that kids may get at most 2 meals per day, which means 730 meals per year. We are addressing at the most 210 meals per year. How about the rest of 520 meals.. (Dinner for all 365 days and lunch during holidays). We would discuss with the teachers to propagate our diet plans to the parents to get the buy in. Kids get 100 Rs per kid per month. If parents spend 40 Rs per month only on good diet for each kid (even if it means giving vegetables on alternate days), then we would certainly be far better off.

SUN in Action

We started off at Janathe Pada last year on pilot basis. The response was quite overwhelming. Based on the feedback, we launched the same at 6 other schools. We are covering 450 + kids.. We ask teachers to provide the measurements height/weight on monthly basis along with the daily-diet/expenses. Due to lack of proper hygiene or water-born diseases, worms are quite common there. We provide de-worming medicines to kids at the start of the month, which ensures that all the vital elements (Vitamin, protein, fat, carbs, minerals) are absorbed by the kids rather than the worms.

 

Feedback from the Teachers/Students

At Janathe Pada, they needed 2.5 Kg of rice per day for 35 kids. The had to throw at least half kg from that. After the introduction of SUN, they started enjoying the food, which increased their appetite. Now, they have to get 3.5 kg of rice, which is not sufficient at times.

A few kids used to go home for lunch since they did not enjoy the basic. Now, none of the kid goes home. Attendance has increased. The kids, who left the school this year (5th standard), insisted to start SUN in their new school as well. Kids’ parents have started appreciating. In the parent teacher meet at Kas Pada, parents have promised to improve in the dinner.

Next steps

We would work with these 460 kids for some time. Now that the de-worming and diet are in place, we would ensure that they get purified water as a first step. We would be sponsoring steel water tank for them with a tap. They would use chlorine to purify. The same water would be used for cooking as well. In parallel, we would start the hygiene program (washing hands, keeping body/head clean, using nail-cutter, washing utensils in clean water etc etc) We would go with train the trainer concept. Each student from 4th standard would be responsible for one or more from 2nd. Similarly, 3rd standard student would ensure that 1st kid follows the hygiene instructions.

We also want kids to get milk at least once or twice a week. We are working upon the right model to introduce it there.

Our medical experts examine the kids on quarterly or half yearly basis to assess the progress. At the same time, we have been able to see the intangible benefits in the form of their smile, enthusiasm, alertness and energy. Teachers have been able to get good buy-in from their parents in a few schools. Attendance has gone up now and hundred percent kids are eating at the school.