Nyamagabe: The residents of Nyamagabe district appreciate the role of the youth volunteers in educating them about caring for their children and managing the nutritional support they receive for their under five children.
This was disclosed by Nyamagabe residents to media during the media engagement campaign in Nyamagabe district with a bid to share with media the best practices in the areas of stunting prevention among children under five, nutrition, hygiene and family planning.
The exercise is done in 13 districts supported by the Rwanda Stunting Prevention and Reduction Project (SPRP) of the World Bank, aiming to reduce stunting rates among children under age 5 in 13 districts including Bugesera, Kayonza, Gakenke, Ngororero, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, Karongi, Rusizi, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Huye, Ruhango.
Some parents say that the youth volunteers’ engagement in the fight against malnutrition and stunting have lent a helping hand to them to change their mindsets and attitudes; therefore, helping them to prevent malnutrition and stunting in their children.
Bikorimana J. Bosco, a youth volunteer leader in Kibirizi sector, said they make home visits to monitor the progress on children’s developmental milestones.
“ We built the houses for the needy, kitchen gardens, toilets and we supported local authorities in a campaign to educate the community on how to prepare and feed their babies nutritious foods and efficiently manage and use the flour of Shisha Kibondo which comprises of special blend of maize, soya, milk powder, sugar, vitamins and minerals.” Said Bikorimana
Twagiramungu Gentil Venuste, the head of the Health Unit in Nyamagabe district, also confirmed that the youths had helped them monitor nutrition progress of the children and educate parents to manage and use their children’s nutritious foods.
“The youth support the district through sensitizing parents to send their young children to Early Child Development Centres for care. In addition to other stakeholders including Community Health workers, caregivers’, grass roots’ leaders, youth volunteers have contributed to the reduction of stunting and malnutrition in children.” Said Twagiramungu.
Rates of stunting decreased from 51.8 per cent to 33.6 per cent in Nyamagabe district which means the reduction of 18%. As of today the district has 42 malnourished children, of which 5 are in red and 37 are in yellow. (End)