Healthy Nutrition across the Big Mountains
Zaninka Marie Goretti & Vincent Twishime Success Story - Burera District.
Vincent and Goretti joined the Health & Nutrition Program after being advised by a Community Health Worker they met at the health center. Joining the program, the family learned different ways to incorporate healthy meals into their diet.
First, the couple established a kitchen garden to have access to vegetables at home. Like every typical farmer in rural Rwanda, Vincent and Goretti were brought up on a predominantly potato and beans diet. After joining the program, Goretti says she has learned to prepare healthy meals using the guide of four-wheel colors. These colors are used to associate certain colored produce with respective nutrients easily.
The family was equipped with new innovative ways to increase their harvest and sustain the supply of vegetables.
Goretti and Vincent holding their baby in their home garden
“I did not know how to maintain our home garden. I would plant a few vegetables, and in a few days, they would fall away.” Vincent says. “But ever since I learned bed building and seed planting techniques, it just works.” He adds
The family has committed to pouring back into their garden, and the yield is plenty. Goretti shared that they have been eating vegetables from the garden since August.
“Even during dry seasons, we never lack vegetables at home.” She adds.
In the future, the family is taking better care of themselves holistically. Goretti started going for regular maternity care screening tests. She intends to nourish her children so they can grow stronger and healthier. She also mentions that since joining the program, it has been the longest she has gone without a hospital visit.
Photos by Prince Mwenimana