A day of nutrition for a child with a disability

In Mauritania, the fight for every step and every independent movement of a child with a disability begins in the kitchen. Without proper fuel, hours spent in the rehabilitation room will not bring results. For muscles to work and the body to grow, a child needs more than basic calories – it needs thoughtful, balanced, nutritious food.

Breakfast: Seven-grain porridge

A day at our center (the Foyer) begins with the smell of bouille. This thick porridge is made from flour milled from seven different grains. Our cook prepares it according to the Sisters’ recipe to make it as nourishing as possible. Children who are severely malnourished receive an extra portion of porridge later in the morning.

For the youngest children, we try to add a teaspoon of spirulina to each cup – a vitamin-rich boost that helps protect them from anemia and extreme weakness.

Lunch: A source of protein

Lunch at the Foyer is a time for recovery. We make sure the menu is varied – from hearty lentils with chicken, to veal with rice, or fresh fish and vegetables. For a child with cerebral palsy, eating a traditional meal can be a real challenge, which is why our kitchen adapts meals to the children’s needs:

• For children with swallowing difficulties, meals are blended into a perfectly smooth texture.
• For the youngest children, food is prepared soft, so it is safe and easy to digest.

Take-home supper: A guarantee of peaceful sleep

Our support does not end when a child leaves the center. We know how difficult the situation at home can be, so mothers often take a portion of porridge or lunch in a jar “to go.” This guarantees that the child will also have a nutritious meal in the evening and will not go to bed hungry. Thanks to this, the child’s effort in the rehabilitation room brings lasting results.