Excerpts from a report for the period from October 1 through December 31, 2008
Objective: Four institutions are more self-sufficient in their food production and procurement.
Four targeted institutions were supported with agricultural inputs. Cows produce an average of seven liters of milk daily (which is slightly less compared to previous months due to cows being pregnant). One cow calved already in December.
UMCOR provided 14.4 tons of combined feed to the established farms.
UMCOR provided four beehive boxes, wax sheets and two honey-making machines to the beekeeping farms of the targeted institutions.
Coagulant powder was provided to the targeted institutions for cheese-making.
Objective: Institution staff and participating residents can manage and process food production from agricultural inputs; staff members at four institutions are able to design menus that promote healthy nutrition.
In total 10 personnel were trained during the fourth quarter.
Two personnel were trained in farm management and daily care of livestock and two staff members were trained in care of beehives.
Six staff members (cooks) were trained in dairy processing.
Objective: Young people are educated in farm management techniques, beekeeping and life skills.
Forty-five school children actively participated in the meetings conducted.
Objective: Food security realized for institutionalized people.
210 children at two institutions now consume high quality milk, yogurt and cheese. The daily meals are diversified and enriched with dairy products indispensable for healthy teeth and bones. The protein intake per child is improved by 16.24 grams and caloric intake by 278.
100 children and 80 elderly people now have 30 grams of honey for their breakfast. It is a healthy food item that contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
The staff and beneficiaries are pleased with the established farms as a long term and sustainable solution for food security. The institutions’ staff can now control the quality of the food, create healthy meals for their residents and reorganize budget and menus.
A comprehensive evaluation of this program was carried out by an external team. A summary of their findings is as follows:
During the program implementation, two institutions received cows and two others received beehives, which allowed serving fresh dairy products or hone to the beneficiaries.
51 employees and 45 beneficiaries/residents of institutions received relevant trainings.
Nutrition intake was improved for 390 vulnerable persons in the institutions.
Menus at the institutions were redesigned.
The institutions have fresh milk or honey with useful vitamins and minerals for vulnerable children and the elderly.
230 grams of dairy products were added to the daily diet of each child in a special school and an orphanage.
Children at a child care and support boarding institution are having 30 grams of honey twice per week and beneficiaries of a health center are having 40 grams of honey twice per week (in total 100 children and 80 elderly).
The staff obtained skills on proper menu design, milk processing, cattle management and care, beekeeping and honey harvesting.
The quality of life and health at the four institutions improved due to agriculture inputs and relevant trainings provision.
Due to the program, the diet has been improved by 16.8 grams of protein and 275 calories and 523 mg of calcium.
Honey makes 7-9 % contribution to the carbohydrate requirements of daily diet; it secures optimum nutrition and blood-building function.
In November 2008, the directors of two institutions visited a third to see the farm, share lessons learned, challenges, benefits and impact of the Pass FoodS program at their institutions.
It was amazing to see the directors discussing the program results at each institution and unanimously stating their need for the farms to secure long-term solution for food security for their residents. Children living at these institutions come from families that are low income and cannot provide for the basic needs of their children. Directors had observed that the socio-economic challenges for families to support their children and the inadequacy of government funding for the institutions had caused widespread malnutrition and calcium deficits among their residents. They were delighted that the FRB-funded program had created the opportunity to make proper, more nutritional meals for these children to combat malnutrition.
The training part was stated as one of the strongest components of the program. In most cases, children living in orphanages become “ready consumers.” This project helped to motivate the participation of all children through various learning events organized by the Youth Clubs. In particular, those who are from rural areas learned additional skills in farm management.
One director proudly talked about the active participation of schoolchildren in different stages of establishing the farm. The children had been involved in the construction of the barn, in daily management of farm, cleaning and care of cows, and other small but important tasks.
The director of an orphanage is making plans for construction of a new stable for the cows and their future calves. He had a vision of establishing a demonstration farm as a long-term support for the children. UMCOR's agricultural consultant promised to help him in designing the blueprints for a barn.
The Pass FoodS program was welcomed by the beneficiary institutions due to its approach of promoting long-term solutions to food security at the institutions and teaching valuable skills to children. The directors departed with a new vision for their beneficiaries and institutions. They expressed their delight in witnessing the children’s new positive attitudes towards the institutions.
Last Updated on Monday, 01 June 2009 05:42
Overseas Programs
Written by Administrator
Friday, 29 May 2009 13:53
Overseas Programs
Foods Resource Bank and Aerie (previously Seeds of Hope) orphanage project - Ethiopian travel pictures.
- Includes First Congregational Church of Western Springs members supporting the project.
OverSeas Programs
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