Digging Deeper: Experience a GHI nutrition training
It’s early morning, and the last few mamas have filtered into Kinigi Health Clinic in northern Rwanda. GHI Field Educator, Josiane Nishimwe, welcomes them with a warm smile. In front of her is a table laden with fruits and veggies.
Today, Josiane is introducing GHI’s 4-color wheel and how to make a balanced meal on a tight budget. As she calls out each color, “Green and orange help to protect the body against illness. Brown is for body-building, and white gives energy!”, the mothers respond with examples.
As the class gets the hang of it, Josiane looks for a volunteer. Chantal, who is expecting her second child, stands up.
“Imagine you have only 1,000 francs (about $1 USD),” says Josiane, “and you need to make a balanced meal for your family. What will you buy?”
Chantal peruses her options at the simulated market, eventually landing upon potatoes, beans, amaranth, and carrots. “I chose the last two because they protect against illness,” Chantal explains.
She doesn’t have a garden at home, so hands-on activities like this are an opportunity to practice and reinforce important lessons. “I think it’ll be possible, in my daily life, to buy a balanced meal without overspending.” She also picks up a few bananas, remembering that snacks are important during pregnancy. “You’re not just feeding yourself,” Josiane had explained, “you’re feeding your baby too.”
After a snack break, Josiane invites the rest of the class to stand, break into groups, and gather around the poster-sized papers taped to the classroom walls. Guided by a handout, the mothers sort fruits and veggies by seasonal growing and eating options, then present to the class.
Before wrapping up, a nurse from the clinic stops by to talk about good hygiene and family planning. Chantal notes a few of the tips, like washing her hands and her vegetables before cooking or fully drying plates. “You can do everything else perfectly,” Josiane concludes, “but without good hygiene, you’re doing nothing!”
Story and photos by Jessica Wright.