Nutrition at the forefront

We provide free meals for malnourished infants from 6 months to children up to 5 years of age and one caregiver. These children are screened and referred to us by local medical and social services, the Office of National Nutrition (ONN). There are 25 children and 25 mothers that will benefit from this 6 week program. The goal is to provide up to 6 programs in one calendar year. Our center is open 5 days a week the program is as follows:

9-9:30 am : Mothers and children arrive at the Mahereza Nutrition and Health Center 

9:30-10:30 am : Educational Workshops. Each week has a different theme. Example: hygiene, safe motherhood, family planning, nutrition, gardening, and small business development. 

10:30- 12 pm : Lunch preparation. Lunch consists of rice and a Malagasy side dish with ingredients that can all be purchased snd made on a family's budget. This ensures that mothers understand how to provide their family with a complete meal and balanced diet at an affordable cost. 

12- 1:30 pm : Lunch is served 

The rotating 10 day menu was developed and approved by Office of National Nutrition. (ONN)

Education and sensitization       

In addition to meals and spirulina, we provide educational workshops. Each week focuses on a theme, from hygiene to nutrition, from safe motherhood to family planning the mothers are given the opportunity to expand their knowledge and share it with their entire family. The mothers are responsible for cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the Mahereza Nutrition and Health Center. This Center has become a second home for them. It provides them with a positive safe environment to learn and share their challenges in the fight against malnutrition.  

“I am learning about ways to make healthy meals affordable and easy to cook at home for my entire family!”

- Expresses one of the mothers

Mothers take turn learning how to properly cook a well balanced meal. They are also educated about nutrition and the various nutrients that should be in every complete meal! Mothers become socially responsible through action based learning and  developing a community within the Center.