In 2023, two of our nutrition experts traveled to Kenya to collect anthropometric data from children attending Victoria Friendly Montessori School.
This project is a collaboration between The Green Food Foundation and Victoria Friendly Montessori, supported by the Femi Foundation. Victoria Friendly Montessori is a community-led organization based on Rusinga Island in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Founded in 2014, the organization aims to meet the needs of underprivileged children living on Rusinga Island. These children have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other deadly diseases, making them vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and malnutrition.
Over a period of ten days, data was collected on anthropometric measurements, blood samples to determine hemoglobin levels, and the nutritional value of the meals currently provided. Additionally, data was gathered to map out the food environment of the Victoria Friendly Montessori community. This has led to initiatives aimed at improving the nutritional status of these children.
We embrace the Train-The-Trainer principle, meaning that the nutrition experts from GFF not only provide advice but also train potential local instructors from VFM during and after their visit. This approach ensures sustainable knowledge transfer.
The professionals from the Green Food Foundation observed that Victoria Friendly Montessori needed to increase its intake of leafy green vegetables. Large vegetable gardens have since been established, where leafy greens can be harvested, dried, and ground into a powder to be sprinkled on food during periods of severe drought. This process preserves most of the valuable nutrients.
The result, besides the establishment of this extensive vegetable garden, has been a positive and vibrant outcome. This is a project that the Green Food Foundation is particularly proud of.
