Fight Malnutrition in Rural Guatemala

Malnutrition is a huge problem in the highlands of Guatemala. As we mentioned in our last report we are offering a comprehensive program to the moms in the preschool program. We have recently expanded our nutrition program to offer it to the moms ( and dads) of middle school students. This program offers insight into malnutrition through interesting videos in their native tongue of Tzu'tujil. We  then have hands on workshops discussing vitamins, protein and minerals. Many of the recipients have never heard of these nutritional items. The group cooks a meal at the end of each workshop. Each participant then receives a cookbook with pictures as many of our participants cannot read nor do they speak Spanish. These meals are nutitionally sound as well as being economical. We have found that after completing this 4 month program approximately 60% change their eating habits. Every participant gets a diploma for completing the course.

Aldea Maya has been helping the Chuk Muk preschool for many years with educational toys as well as colouring supplies.

We are now partnering with the Chuk Muk Preschool to offer nutrition and cooking classes to the moms and grandmoms. Undernutrition in Guatemala is a serious issue that effects mental, physical and social well-being. Infants and small children are the most vulnerable to this dangerous condition. In Guatemala, almost 50% of children experience inadequate growth and stunted growth due to lack of appropriate nutrient intake. These classes offer each participant a 4-month course that teaches how to supply nutrient rich food, at low cost. 

It is a common practice in the highlands of Guatemala for infants and small children to be fed coffee and caffienated soft drinks. Our courses illustrate the dangers of these feeding habits and we use interactive games and movies in their mother tongue to show a better way of feeding young children. They also receive a picture cook book to reinforce the new ideas.

Many of the recipes incorporate chaya ( tree spinach). This green, leafy vegetable can drastically increase the intake of vitamins and minerals and can be easily grown in their yard. Each mom received several chaya sticks to plant.