Nutrir
Project Description
Is a program that aims at solving nutritional problems of children in low-income families, in order to complement their physical growth and mental development. The project offers children nutritional support, academic tutoring, recreational and after school programs, as well as support to their families.
Level: Early Childhood Education
Starting Date of the project: 2004
Previous implementations: Bogotá
Active regions 2012: Bogotá
Direct Beneficiaries 2012: 285 children
Partners 2012: Genesis Foundation, Colombian Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF), Unilever, Royal Hotels, Nestlé
Justification
Nutritional problems start since gestation. It is fundamental that children receive essential nutrients, especially during their first years so that they can have a healthy lifestyle. If they eat healthy, they will be able to maintain a normal weight and good eating habits. Having a balanced diet will enable them to develop a strong immune system, control their weight, and have an active lifestyle and healthy growth. A balanced diet it’s also positive for their good academic performance and mood.
Methodology
- WORK WITH PREGNANT MOTHERS: mothers are educated on the importance of healthy eating habits during and after pregnancy. Birth control is also monitored. A weekly snack is provided as well as monthly nutritional assessments and bi-monthly anemia tests. When mothers give birth, staff from Nutrir performs home visits focusing specially on the importance of breastfeeding. Children from 1-3 years old are provided with a weekly snack
- WORK WITH CHILDREN: children from 3 to 5 years old are provided with daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Weight and size controls are performed as well as nutritional assessment every three months, and anemia tests every six months. A neurodevelopment test is also carried out. There are also cultural activities, arts and crafts, music, dance and sports.
- WORK WITH PARENTS: Awareness on the responsibility that they have over the eating habits of their children. An initial diagnosis is performed to each family to know their nutritional status, health and living conditions and child-breeding guidelines. Workshops on the importance of a healthy diet and disease prevention are performed as well as for fostering early stimulation for neurological development of their children.
Nutrir is developing a database called Diagnosis-Treatment- Progress (Diagnostico-Tratamiento-Progreso (DTP)) to maintain a register of all the nutritional information of their beneficiaries. Nutrir offers a precise diagnosis that allows a personalized and specific treatment that is monitored to evaluate the progress of each child. Through this comprehensive information system, Nutrir seeks to integrate the data bases of the local community and municipal and national administrations.
Annual Cost per Student: US $689
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