In Rwanda, World Vision is supporting 20 village child nutrition centres to provide regular, nutrious meals to more than 300 pre-school children. Parents bring their children to the centres each morning and provide at least one food item, a plate and a cup. The children are then cared for by two of the mothers, who all take turns to volunteer at the centre, under the supervision of a community health worker. One of the mothers cooks while the other ensures that childern are kept busy with songs and other child-friendly activities. Once food is ready, the mothers feed the children. Children are collected by their parents in the afternoon.
The centres are managed by a village committee and the village chief, a female leader and community health workers play a criticial role in the running of the centres.
Impact: The centres are having a positive impact on children's nutrition in several ways. They are directly tackling malnutriton by ensuring children receive at least one balanced meal a day. They are helping families, and mothers in particular, to learn about good nutrition and safe hygiene practices. Children are benefiting from vitamin A and immunisation campaigns, which are occasionally run at the centres, and monthly growth checks are helping parents monitor their children's development. Children are benefiting from a stimulating environment while their mothers are freed up to concentrate on income-generating activities and daily chores.
As one mother says: 'When my child is at the centre, he does not feel lonely and I have time to a attend to other domestic work. I do not fear that he will be abused because I know that he is in good hands and that he gains some social skills. He is well nourished because the meal provided is balanced.'
Sustainability: The centres are set up by communities in response to local need, are based on existing community structures and are supported by local leaders. Parents with children in the centres are supported with a small monthly cash allowance to pay for some of the food costs.
Success: The Ministry of Health has adopted village child nutrition centres as a successful model that addresses child nutrition at the community level, and has promoted the model through various government initatives. Children, women and men appreciate the centres and local leaders are planning to enhance them by adding an educational component.
Challenges: Sometimes it can be difficult to find a suitable, ongoing venue for the centres. Parents are often willing to volunteer their home as the venue but they may not be able to commit for the long term. In some cases, the venue is not big enough to accomodate all the children who wish to participate. Centre management committees and local leaders are working to find a solution to these challenges.