Behind a milk collection center in rural Rwanda, the aroma of food fills the air. Taking refuge in the building’s shade, local farmers are hard at work shucking corn, slicing tomatoes and peeling potatoes — all freshly harvested from surrounding fields. They lay a patterned carpet on the concrete floor and heap cooked food onto plates for their soon-to-arrive guests: mothers and young children from nearby villages.
This is the Abakundinka Community Kitchen, a space for mothers to bring their young kids for a wholesome meal. Once a month, they gather with their children to enjoy a hearty plate of nutritious food. In Rwanda, where almost one-fifth of the population faces hunger and 38% of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, the Abakundinka Community Kitchen is vital. Limited access to nutritious and balanced diets can stunt children’s development, which can lead to behavioral problems and limit their economic opportunities in the future. The community kitchen’s plates are filled with all the major food groups, serving potatoes, fresh fruits and vegetables like bananas and tomatoes, and cow’s milk and meat.
Abakundinka Community Kitchen was born out of the Abakundinka Farmer Field School, a dairy farmers’ group working together to better manage their livestock, grow nutritious food, earn sustainable incomes and now, nourish their wider community. Before the children dig into their meals at the community kitchen, one of the mothers makes her way around a circle of seated kids to pour clean water over their hands. Simple acts of improved hygiene like this can drive big changes in communities. The kitchen has nurtured a strong relationship with the local village leaders, and the monthly event is attended by a health facilitator, a trained community member who works to increase local awareness of issues like hygiene and nutrition. The facilitator supervises the kitchen’s activities and advises the mothers on what a balanced diet looks like.
Transcript
[music plays] At Heifer international, we believe in the power of people,
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The power to overcome, to flourish, to thrive.
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And we've seen it firsthand
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since 1944, we've watched more than 39 million people
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overcome even the greatest of obstacles
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and move themselves from poverty to power.
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When a family in poverty is given
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a goat or a cow, they're given more than an animal.
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It's an opportunity.
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It's a chance to start a business,
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put food on the table,
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and break the cycle of poverty forever.
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Heifer works with some of the world's poorest communities.
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We listen and learn about their problems,
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Work with them to create solutions,
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and introduce the tools
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and training they need for lasting success.
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Ultimately, we support people to stand strong in their own
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and discover their power.
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Because we know everyone has potential to thrive.
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All they need is a chance. Learn more today at heifer.org.
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