Nutrition Training Equips Women to Curb Child Stunting

The training, organized by Esther’s Aid, aimed to equip participants with practical skills to prepare nutritious meals using locally available foods. According to the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), 75% of child stunting cases in Rwanda result from limited parental knowledge about nutrition, while 31% are linked to intergenerational factors.

Sandrine Mukandayisenga, one of the trainees, said the program changed her perception of meal preparation.

“We learned how to make balanced diets composed of energy-giving, body-building, and protective foods,” she said. “I now know how to cook without using too much oil or water, yet the food remains tasty.”

She added that preparing a balanced diet does not require expensive ingredients.

“You can make nutritious meals from what you have at home — like sweet potatoes, cassava, and vegetables. Even one lemon can serve a whole family.”

Another participant, Liliane Iyukuri, said the lessons would help reduce child malnutrition.

“Our children used to suffer from poor nutrition,” she said. “Now, we know how to cook properly and present appealing meals. I plan to share this knowledge with other women in my community.”

For Prucille Mugorewera, the training also brought financial benefits.

“I used to think more oil meant tastier food,” she said. “Now I use less, save money, and keep my family healthier.”

Local leaders are already seeing results. Wibabara Justin, the Jabana Sector social welfare officer, said a recent assessment found 20 malnourished children in the area.

“We immediately launched a community kitchen to provide nutritious meals,” he said. “After 12 days, five children had recovered, and others showed progress.”

He emphasized that improving maternal nutrition and parental awareness is key to ending malnutrition.

“Once parents understand how to prepare clean, balanced meals, we can eliminate nutrition-related diseases in our sector,” he said.

Clare Effiong, Executive Director of Esther’s Aid, said the training coincided with the International Chefs Day celebration. The organization, which began nutrition programs in March, has so far trained over 100 people with support from professional chefs at Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton Kigali.

Rwanda’s five-year national strategy (2024–2029) prioritizes child nutrition, aiming to reduce stunting among children under five from 33% in 2024 to below 15% by 2029.

“Teaching women how to cook balanced meals,” Effiong said, “is not just about food — it’s about building healthier families and a stronger nation.”