There is still no shortage of people in this country who believe that avocados cause epilepsy and that a tomato cannot be eaten raw. Spinach, carrots and beetroot, although they grow well in the hot Congolese climate, are considered exotic, while beans and cassava are food staples. Unfortunately, this is not enough food for children, who need protein, healthy fats and simply variety in their diet.

This is why our nutrition centre in the Democratic Republic of Congo places so much emphasis on educating parents. Feeding a child is just the beginning – our aim is to eliminate hunger in the surrounding villages. What about Ntamugenga, where the centre is located? We have got to the point where there are no longer any patients from the immediate area at the nutrition centre, and every case of malnutrition is immediately recognised by the local community!

❓ What does educating parents look like?

We start with an awareness-building talk in which all parents participate. Later, when the children are fed, we invite the families into the garden where they can see things they don’t grow themselves – namely spinach, carrots and beetroot. Talking about vitamins is not enough to convince anyone to change their diet, so the next part is practical – we invite parents into the kitchen, where they help us prepare food for the children and, in the process, learn that making an appetising salad is a great way to sneak in more vitamins.

All this is possible thanks to your support! On 8.08 – i.e. the Good Factory’s eighth anniversary – we launched a fundraiser for 808 meals for our nutrition centre. Join us and with minimal effort produce a HUGE amount of good with us!