Fight Malnutrition in Rural Guatemala

The Chuk Muk elementary school garden program is thriving.  The students learn about worms and composting. They then participate in planting and caring for the new seedlings. The children harvest the organic bounty and then prepare food using the collected fruits and vegetables.The organic garden is an oasis for fun and learning. Aldea Maya is working with the school to bring more learning outside by building a outdoor gazebo to facilitate learning.

School garden programs provide hands on learning that enhances academic performance across a variety of subjects including science and nutrition. It promotes collaboration and teamwork and helps foster a feeling of community. It facilitates children becoming more mindful of their food choices. It encourages children to develop important life skills such as responsibilty, patience and cooperation. It promotes stewardship of our environment.

Aldea Maya is pleased to continue this program in the highlands of 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.